H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco was gifted an elephant in Gothenburg in Sweden – now Götheborg of Sweden will bring the elephant to Monaco. On October 4, a 2.4-meter-high elephant sculpture will sail into the port of Monaco on the world’s largest ocean-going wooden sailing ship, Götheborg of Sweden.

The elephant, named ‘Oceans of Hope’ is a gift from the animal and nature organization The Perfect World Foundation to H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco and was presented to the Prince earlier this year during an award-gala in Gothenburg, Sweden. The 2.4-meter-high sculpture is painted by the artist Kattis Palmnäs on behalf of The Perfect World Foundation and is designed with inspiration from animals that depend on our oceans. Its purpose is to draw attention to how ghost nets are killing our oceans and the elephant was presented to Prince Albert II, together with the organization’s annual honorary award, The Perfect World Foundations Award, to show appreciation for H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco work to protect our world’s oceans

– The elephant sculpture alludes to the saying “the elephant in the room” and its purpose is to make more people aware of the problems in our oceans. Every year, 640,000 tonnes of ghost nets end up in the world’s oceans, killing millions of marine animals and fish every year, says Ragnhild Jacobsson, CEO, and co-founder of The Perfect World Foundation.

The elephant is now being prepared for its journey from Sweden to its new home in Monaco. The spectacular arrival will be on the world’s largest ocean-going wooden sailing ship, the Götheborg of Sweden. In the Port of Monaco, a welcome awaits the elephant as it will sail in during a grand gun salute from both the ship, the Götheborg of Sweden, and from The Palace in Monaco. The elephant sculpture will be presented to H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco on Götheborg of Sweden.

– Ghost nets are a big problem that all of us that work out on the oceans have encountered. On the Götheborg, we always have someone on lookout at the bow, to be able to spot and avoid ghost nets and illegal fish nets. During our last expedition to Asia, in 2007, we encountered several illegal fishing nets. The well-being of our oceans is an issue close to our hearts, and therefore we didn’t hesitate to change our route to support and create awareness around this very important topic, said Torben Hildemar, Captain on the Götheborg.

H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco is one of the world’s leading philanthropists and, through his own organization, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, has financed around 700 projects with a focus on reducing the effects of climate change, promoting renewable energy, supporting biodiversity and protecting our oceans. In May this year, the prince became the ninth recipient of The Perfect World Foundation’s honorary prize, “The Perfect World Foundation Award”, during the organization’s Award Dinner in Gothenburg, Sweden.

– We annually present The Perfect World Foundation Award to a person who has made significant contributions to the conservation of our natural world and contributed to the increase of global awareness. In addition to H.S.H. Prince Albert II, the Award has been presented to, among others, Sir. David Attenborough, Ms. Greta Thunberg, Dr. Jane Goodall, and H.M. King Charles III, says Ragnhild Jacobsson.

The Perfect World Foundation is working with wildlife and nature in crisis, around the world, such as salvaging ghost nets from the oceans, replanting new forests, saving wild animals in crisis, and promoting biodiversity. During Prince Albert II’s visit to Gothenburg, the prince also inaugurated the organization’s project to salvage ghost nets, called Project Ocean. This by releasing a mallard that had been rehabilitated from injuries caused by ghost nets.