Tara, the Asian Elephant visiting Duke of York Square
It is not uncommon to find unusual attractions in the Duke of York Square - not long ago there was a giant Pimms-serving teapot - but June sees a very special guest in the 10ft form of Tara, the painted Asian elephant and her baby, Ella.
In celebration of their 50th birthday Maclaren, the producers of buggies and child accessories, have teamed up with The Elephant Charity to promote ‘Travels to my Elephant’.
Highlighting the plight of the Asian Elephant, an army of celebrity designed and driven tuk-tuks will be racing across India in November to the ‘real’ Tara, who was adopted by Mark Shand, the charity’s founder, in 1988.
Throughout June, there have been readings from celebrity storytellers and a competition to design an outfit for Ella. Restaurants and retailers around Duke of York Square are giving out sheets for children to colour in and post into the plinth the two elephants are standing on, with three finalists being chosen by a panel of judges before going to the final public vote.
For more information on ‘Travels to my Elephant’, the Ella competition, celebrity readings or the chance to bid on a celebrity designed Tuk-Tuk, go to http://www.travelstomyelephant.org
