We’re always thrilled to hear how Sketch for Survival sparks meaningful connections — and sometimes, these connections grow into something special. That’s exactly what happened when Explorers Against Extinction supporter Nicola bid for Louise’s cheetah artwork, Unwritten Destiny, a finalist in Sketch for Survival 2023.
Here follows their story:
Unwritten Courage
In 2023, wildlife artist Louise Hancox submitted a drawing of a cheetah cub to Sketch for Survival. The piece, Unwritten Destiny, was selected as a finalist — and it caught the eye of Nicola, who had long dreamed of volunteering to support cheetah conservation.
She placed a bid. She won. She reached out. And a connection formed.
The following year, catastrophic floods swept through Northern Thailand. Nicola, who had previously volunteered at Elephant Nature Park (ENP), messaged Louise:
“Two elephants have died from the flooding at the sanctuary. Devastated.”
One of the elephants, Faa Sai, had been a calming presence throughout Nicola’s time at ENP. Her death hit hard.
Louise had never drawn an elephant before — but moved by Nicola’s grief, she picked up her pencils, sat down with Nicola’s photographs and began. She didn’t know exactly what would emerge, only that she had to try.
When the portrait was finished, Nicola and Louise sent a copy to Save Elephant Foundation — only to discover the elephant Louise had drawn wasn’t Faa Sai, but Mintra, another rescued soul. One who had survived the storm.
What began as a tribute to one elephant became a portrait of two — one in form, one in spirit.
The drawing, titled Unwritten Courage, is now at the heart of a summer-long fundraiser supporting Elephant Nature Park.
About Elephant Nature Park
Founded by renowned conservationist Sangduen “Lek” Chailert, ENP was established in 2003 in the beautiful Mae Taeng valley near Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand. The sanctuary provides a safe haven for elephants rescued from abuse, injury, or exploitation — particularly from the logging and tourism industries.
At ENP, elephants are free to live in natural social groups, form bonds, and rediscover what it means to be an elephant.
Lek has been at the forefront of elephant welfare across Asia for more than two decades, with her work extending beyond Thailand to include projects in Cambodia and Laos, all focused on improving the lives of elephants and advocating for their rights.
“This fundraiser is a beautiful tribute to our elephants — the ones we’ve lost — and a powerful act of support for those still healing. We’re deeply grateful to see art used in such a meaningful way.”
Save Elephant Foundation
The fundraising auction for Unwritten Courage will close on World Elephant Day (12 August). All profits go directly to Save Elephant Foundation. To find out more please visit Louise Hancox Fine Art.
Thank you to Louise and Nicola for sharing their story with us — a reminder of the powerful, unexpected ways in which conservation can inspire, connect, and give back.
Partnerships to Protect the Wild
Partnerships to Protect the Wild is more than just a tagline for Explorers Against Extinction — it reflects the spirit of our charity, which is built on collaboration and community.
The story of Unwritten Courage perfectly captures this ethos. What began as a connection through Sketch for Survival blossomed into a nature-positive partnership that continues to make a difference.
Sketch for Survival 2025
Submissions for Sketch for Survival 2025 are open until 30 June. If you’re an artist — amateur or professional — and would like to use your creativity to support wildlife conservation, we’d love to hear from you.
🖌️ Learn more & submit your artwork →
Image at top: Rescued elephants at ENP with thanks to Nicola and Louise
