In 2016, the world was introduced to an Elephant who goes by the name Berger H Elefant. Berger was created as a unique initiative by a Berlin street artist, who was looking to generate awareness about the debilitating disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. This rare life altering disease is said to affect about 200,000 people in the world. ALS gradually breaks down the brains ability to communicate with the muscles in the body. Which means over time individuals will begin to lose voluntary control of their legs, and arms. As the disease progresses the loss of ability to walk, speak, chew, swallow and eventually breathe will occur.

There is currently no cure for the disease and approximately 80% of those with ALS will not live past 2-5 years after being diagnosed.

This disease, which restricts the individuals ability to move, can leave them feeling trapped within the prison of their own bodies creation. Therefore, not only to generate awareness around the disease, but also to create a sense of escapism this anonymous street artist from Germany created the project Street Art Against ALS. The project was developed by a married couple, following the artist own diagnosis of ALS. Choosing to keep their names private in order to keep the attention on the cause they establish the 3D Elephant known as Berger. The premiss is that Berger travels the globe on behalf of those suffering with ALS, as they are not able to do so themselves. Berger’s hope is that through the help of fellow travelling friends, he will bring awareness and support for further research into the disease with the hope that one day a cure will be found. Berger is primarily found in Berlin, while the general rule of street art is to not remove an artists work, Berger and his creator are asking the exact opposite. They are asking the general public to remove Berger and to take him along on your travels while making sure to snap photos of all the places Berger visits. The creators have constructed an Instagram and Facebook page in which travellers can upload these images of Berger’s globetrotting adventures. There is something moving about knowing that with each picture taken and uploaded an individual with ALS can, for a moment, escape their disease and experience a sense of exploration and freedom, through a world travelling elephant.

While it’s not feasible for many to make a trip to Berlin to search out a Berger elephant to accompany them on their travels, you can still contribute to the cause and participate. The creators of Street Art Against ALS have created their own website where Berger Elefants can be ordered with the artists asking for a small donation that will be given to ALS charities to support further research. You can check out the website at https://www.berger-h-elefant.com/en-berger-h-elefant.html