64
W H AT ’ S N O W
GIVING BACK
Petting Zoo
While traveling through Thailand in 2001 and witnessing baby elephants being exploited for money on the streets of Bangkok, something struck the core of animal lover Kristina McKean. The sight started a passion for activism, and she began to sign petitions, protest circuses, and create social media campaigns in hopes of spreading awareness on elephant abuse. Now, the Montecito-based mother of two has set out to make direct contributions toward the cause in a very cute way. Kiki—whose name means “new life”—is a fuzzy, gray, eight-inch-tall elephant who is as much a symbol as she is a stuffed animal. McKean launched THE ELEPHANT PROJECT to inspire young girls and parents alike to make an impact on saving the elephants “one stuffed animal at a time.” Proceeds from each sale ($39) go directly to fund agencies including Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Africa ASAP, and the Elephant Sanctuary, helping end the poaching crisis. “I really wanted to teach my girls—and all children for that matter—that actually one person can make a difference and that we need to be the voice for the voiceless,” says McKean. With a background in product design for the tween market at Gap Inc., McKean created Kiki as the debut animal of a whole endangered species line, which will eventually include a stuffed lion, gorilla, and giraffe. “Kiki is the first of my collection and I’m hoping to add a new elephant that looks similar but has a different outfit and name,” she says, with plans to have the second one out by Christmas. “The elephants can be ‘adopted’ and proceeds go toward sanctuaries and organizations that help end the crisis and also care for the elephants that have been abused, abandoned, or injured.” J . B . K .
Clockwise from top right: KIKI THE
ELEPHANT ; daughters Paloma (eldest)
and Penelope; KRISTINA MCKEAN .
What’s Now
Pawsitive Thinking
Left to right: A cat
ready for adoption; feline friends at CAT THERAPY .
The latest cafe to hit State Street lets you sit back, enjoy a coffee, and relax with cats. That’s right, cats. CAT THERAPY , which opened in May, is drawing people in like kittens to yarn. In a relaxed environment, guests are able to interact with felines from different local animal shelters. The cats are all up for adoption and can be taken home on the spot. Owner Catalina Esteves wanted to offer a unique experience to guests that also made adoption more accessible. “I’ve always felt a connection toward animals,” says Esteves, “and helping them get healthy and find a forever home meant the world to me.” The cafe offers coffee drinks such as the Cattuccino plus smoothies, juices, and açai bowls. 1213 State St., Ste. L, Santa Barbara, 805560-1996. J . R . CATTH E RA PYS B.C O M
PHOTOGRAPH: THE ELEPHANT PROJECT, JESS DALENE WEBER; CAT THERAPY, LAURA LEWIS
THEELEP HANTP ROJECT. C O M