Elephant Aid International

Author: Carol

  • The Sale of ERNA is Closed!


    Broker Walter Hatchett, board member Leslie Schreiber, CEO Carol Buckley and the ever faithful Java arrived at ERNA after an eight hour drive. They are all tired but very excited that the sale is final and ERNA is a reality.

     

    “Have you ever heard of the saying that an elephant never forgets? It’s true.” An 8th grade student from the International School Dhaka in Bangladesh wrote this poignant article about the cruelty elephants endure for human entertainment. In the article, the intelligent and compassionate student mentioned Carol as a source for information.

     


    IT’S OFFICIAL: The sale of the Elephant Refuge North America is closed. We’re one step closer toward providing a home for elephants to thrive. Thank you for your support — we couldn’t do this without you. If you would like to pitch in, we’re still accepting donations. Click here to donate today. 

     


    “Love of animals is a universal impulse, a common ground on which all of us may meet. By loving and understanding animals, perhaps we humans shall come to understand each other.” — Louis J. Camuti

     

    The Central Zoo Authority of India will no longer recognize seven circuses due to reported incidents of animal cruelty. As a result of the CZA making this move, the circuses will no longer be permitted to use wild animals (including elephants) in the entertainment. Unfortunately, the CZA does not have the power to rule against the use of domestic animals. Click here to read the article. 

  • Animal Rescue Site Fundraiser Equals Huge Success

    A small step in the right direction: Sri Lanka has passed tougher laws for the benefit of elephant welfare. With the new laws, young elephants will now be entirely banned from physical work. Sri Lanka will also now be enforcing 41 new legal conditions regarding allowance of bathing time, a proper diet that includes fruits and many more. See the details in the article here.

     


    We’ve posted a lot of informative videos on our Facebook page. Tell us: Which EAI elephant videos are your favorite? Do you like watching the foot trimming videos? Or do you prefer witnessing an elephant released from chains? Let us know by visiting our Facebook page and leaving a comment!

     


    EXCITING NEWS! The fundraiser made possible by Animal Rescue Site and a generous donor was a HUGE success. The goal of $15,000 has been matched. We are on a roll and ready to raise the remaining funds needed to enclose the property and bring in elephants. We are beyond grateful to all who contributed by donating, as well as commenting, liking and sharing the related posts. Thank you for your continued support and compassion of elephants in need!

    The first screening of UNCHAINED is on January 14th at the Wild & Scenic Film Festival located at 433 Broad Street Nevada City, CA.

  • Are Mahouts to Blame for Elephant Cruelty?

    Are Mahouts to Blame for Elephant Cruelty?


    Revisiting an important blog, posted by Carol. Are mahouts to blame for elephant cruelty? Not necessarily. Mahouts are underpaid, devalued, and lack education for caring for elephants. We don’t place blame on the mahouts – we give them the tools and education to make a positive difference in the lives of elephants.

     


    In addition to the large numbers of illegal poaching, legal poaching is a concern in some areas of Africa. Currently, elephants are fleeing from Namibia, Zambia, and Angola – where elephant poaching is legal – to Botswana’s Chobe National Park. Elephants fear for their lives and are forced to find safe areas for refuge. Click here to read more.

     


    We are so grateful for The Animal Rescue Site and the generous donor who set up the fundraiser for fencing for ERNA. Each donation is DOUBLED for the greatest impact. Thank you to everyone who is supporting and contributing to this helpful fundraiser.

     

    Due to the elephant poaching pandemic, reports have shown that 98% of female elephants in Addo Elephant National Park in South Africa are tuskless. Researchers fear that the entire species of African elephants will eventually be born without tusks – leaving them safe from poachers, but defenseless to natural threats.

     

    Last Tuesday, people all over the world donated to charities and causes to add a touch of philanthropy to the holiday shopping season. In honor of Giving Tuesday, please consider donating in support of Elephant Refuge North America — to help provide a home for elephants to thrive. Donate today at: elephantaidinternational.org/support

    Are you shopping on Amazon this holiday season? If so, please consider using AmazonSmile in support of Elephant Aid International. When you shop at smile.amazon.com and select EAI, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of your purchase price to EAI. Give gifts to your loved ones while helping elephants in need. You shop, Amazon gives, and elephants smile!

  • Elephants are more than a ride for your entertainment

    Elephants are more than a ride for your entertainment

    234In a fantastic article, Elephant Watch Nepal explores the cruelty elephants endure throughout chained captivity. Elephants are more than a ride for your entertainment — they are living, breathing beings who deserve respect and compassion.

    2Last year, a video captured the moment Simsar Kali was freed from her chains — after spending 7 years shackled. The actions of Elephant Aid International in Nepal have recently been gaining the attention of media sites, such as One Green Planet.

    14717311_1115814781788632_7464604301985460838_nWe cannot believe it has been nearly 2 years since we started building chain free corrals in Sauraha, Nepal. Thanks to your support, 106 elephants have benefited from our Chain Free Means Pain Free program.

    14882155_1302122219818136_8189606582067987508_o“When I look into the eyes of an animal, I do not see an animal. I see a living being. I see a friend. I feel a soul.” – Anthony Douglas Williams

    14608833_1302174213146270_913941189433689731_oImagine spending your entire life shackled to the ground — trapped in agony by those who are supposed to care for you. Captive elephants should never be chained. They are sentient beings who deserve respect, autonomy and to be allowed to walk chain free and pain free.

    14590068_1303170419713316_2063596753955300023_oThis breathtaking photo taken in Corbett National Park, India, captures the magnificence of a healthy herd of Asian elephants in their natural-habitat home-range.

  • Current donation total is now at $858,945.00

    Current donation total is now at $858,945.00

    captureThe current donation total is now at $858,945.00. From the bottom of our hearts, we deeply appreciate your support in our efforts to help provide a better environment for elephants. We want to acknowledge the kindness every individual who donates and likes, comments or shares our posts. You are all contributing to the cause. Thank you. Donate today!

    14713070_1290567650973593_3888856378838742979_oElephants in Asia compete with humans for nearly all resources, including bamboo, a staple of the Asian elephant diet and traditional building material for humans. As long as humans see their needs as more deserving, elephants will continue to suffer. We must continue our efforts by educating the mahouts and providing chain-free corrals for captive-held elephants.

    14715661_1293375797359445_6945717541295315919_oShree (a mahout trained using EAI’s Compassionate Elephant Care) shows fellow mahout a more humane, more effective way to work around Samrat Gaj, a 4-month old captive-born elephant in Nepal. The mahout student is delighted by the results.

    14714836_1293522757344749_3029055320299766199_oThis newborn calf, only hours old, suckles from his mother — aided by a mahout learning new ways of relating to elephants. Compassionate Elephant Care, an EAI program being taught to all mahouts at government owned hattisars (elephant stables) in Nepal, is changing how mahouts manage their elephants.

    chitwan1Change starts with one person, who can inspire a whole group, who can go on to inspire the entire world. For elephants, chain free means pain free. By supporting the mahouts who care for impoverished elephants, the welfare of both is improved. Show the mahouts that you recognize their value. Support their transition from archaic to humane.

    14692053_1295359530494405_4158283269240433179_o“The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.” – Charles Darwin

    14711625_1295361663827525_8717717484992416154_oDid you know: Elephants take “dust baths” — as seen in the picture below — to protect their sensitive skin from sunburn and biting insects

    14712991_1296262603737431_6131236874564709140_oThe ERNA closing date has been pushed to December 15th, so now we stand at 57 days until closing! To help raise funds for the elephant paradise, donate today!

  • TripAdvisor no longer makes money off animal suffering

    TripAdvisor no longer makes money off animal suffering

    11tripadvisor-animals-master768Making steady progress for animal welfare: TripAdvisor to Stop Selling Tickets to Many Animal Attractions.

    14615856_1286567708040254_7526071632518963441_oThe progress in Nepal is driven by the mahouts’ willingness to learn how to provide better care for captive elephants.

    14566427_1286789894684702_1653308219345432894_oFoot disease is epidemic among elephants living in captive environments. Captivity-induced foot diseases among these long-lived beings can lead to physical collapse and death. Proper elephant foot care is vital for elephant health.

    14650303_1287513497945675_8147598989740765811_nIf we want a future of compassion toward elephants, we must teach our children to care for all creatures.

    14707902_1288403497856675_4883728828528651954_o28 DAYS UNTIL CLOSING! Only four weeks remain until the finalization of the ERNA land sale, and the elephants still need your help. Even the smallest contribution allows you to personally support the elephants in need of an environment to thrive. Donate today!

    14724476_1289593234404368_7665143081699443228_nAnother incredible picture of a sweet elephant from Nepal.

  • The Nepali Times covered the changes at Tiger Tops Elephant Camp

    The Nepali Times covered the changes at Tiger Tops Elephant Camp

    d1w5kgeThe Nepali Times covered the changes at Tiger Tops Elephant Camp in Nepal. This is the wave of the future; elephants no longer used as entertainers, but the object of wildlife observation.

    eai1Tiger Tops Elephant Camp is gaining media attention for its elephant-friendly tourism. Now, the elephants living at the resort are ride free, chain free and pain free.

    14462994_1280461288650896_5640693018084859505_nNature Defense Foundation recently provided a significant grant towards EAI’s Elephant Refuge North America. This past Friday they hosted a “Meet and Greet” with EAI Founder Carol Buckley, for California Bay Area Foundations. The event was well attended by sincerely motivated individuals interested in elephant welfare. A huge thank you goes to all who attended and to Sarah Shaw of Nature Defense Foundation for hosting the event. If you would like to host an event for Foundations and others interested in supporting ERNA, please contact us.

    elephant-adventure-3Another great write-up for Tiger Tops Elephant Camp in Nepal, the first resort to go chain-free and discontinue using elephants for elephant back safaris. Instead they have partnered with EAI’s CEO Carol Buckley to create an elephant-friendly experience unlike any other, full of adventure and respect for elephants.

    14469581_1282843808412644_6220498687450535139_n34 DAYS UNTIL CLOSING! The sale of the ERNA land will finalize on November 9th. The elephants still need you. Donate today to help these incredible beings thrive in a beautiful environment.

    14484765_1282483931781965_9042817408079457784_nEveryone had fun and learned a lot at Tiger Tops Elephant Camp Foot Care Workshops!

    Also:

    • The Wildlife Crime Unit in Nepal is recognized for their work to prevent wildlife trafficking.
    • Captive elephants in Asia suffer the worst foot health issues, both painful and permanent. The sweet elephant in this video suffered from such overgrown nails that her front toenail actually ripped away from her foot, causing permanent damage to the connective tissue. She is now permanently crippled by the captivity-induced injury.
  • Chain Free Means Pain Free

    Chain Free Means Pain Free

    chain-free-means-pain-free-just-look-at-this-happy-loving-familyChain free means pain free — just look at this happy, loving family.

    14457423_1273834982646860_4444314854104071146_n“Man’s highest duty is to protect animals from cruelty.” — Emile Zola

    captureThe ERNA land will provide elephants with autonomy in a natural, lush habitat filled with lakes, wooded areas and open pastures. Join us in helping these incredible animals thrive by donating today. Thank you for your continued support.

    14481724_1275431695820522_7044993152666362946_o42 DAYS UNTIL CLOSING! Elephant dreams inch closer to becoming a reality as the ERNA land sale nears its finalization. Show your support today by donating!

    14519682_1275486852481673_8914519054289975268_nHow often are you able to dedicate your time to a cause that is important to you, such as elephant conservation?

    14520579_1276901649006860_3795582997678227290_nThe word is getting out about EAI’s elephant foot trimming in Nepal. Private owners are requesting that their elephants receive foot trims whenever EAI staff are in the country. As part of our recent Foot Care Workshop, participants trimmed the feet of eleven Tiger Tops elephants and three elephants from Machan Wildlife Resort, a neighbouring resort. Ful Kali, one of Machan’s elephants, had overgrown and cracked nails. Even though this was her first pedicure, Ful Kali relaxed into it immediately, allowing Kevyn and Gigi to gain some serious foot trimming experience!

  • The first workshop was a complete success!

    The first workshop was a complete success!

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    The first workshop was a complete success, raising consciousness about the plight of captive-held elephants and training an enthusiastic group of elephant lovers in the art of foot trimming. The second workshop begins today.

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    A few days ago a surprise excursion took us to one of the remote hattisars (elephant stables) inside the Buffer Zone forest adjacent to Chitwan National Park. The group was treated to a sample of the remote chain-free corrals EAI built in 2014, one of 31 corrals built for government-owned anti-poaching patrol elephants in Chitwan National Park. Shankar Prasad is a large male who lives chain free without incident in the solar powered corral even though he could easy dismantle the fencing with his ivory which does not conduct electricity.
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    The mahouts in all of the locations we work have exceeded our expectations. They are interested, engaged and are excited to show the progress they have made with their elephants. Sundar Mala’s new mahout shows off his skill teaching her how to put her foot up on a stump for foot trimming.
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    During his musth season a male elephant covers tens of miles daily searching out receptive females and socializing with his offspring in many different herds.
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    Did You Know? Baby female elephants remain with their mother their entire life. The male calves are driven from the herd around age ten.
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    David Clark, a filmmaker with National Geographic, is currently at Tiger Tops Elephant Camp in Nepal documenting Carol’s work.
  • Tiger Tops Elephant Camp is proving to be an amazing experience for all

    Tiger Tops Elephant Camp is proving to be an amazing experience for all

    3When teacher and student connect, the elephants benefit! EAI’s Elephant Foot Care Workshop at Tiger Tops Elephant Camp is proving to be an amazing experience for all

    Herds of wild elephants grazing peacefully in the vast grasslands of India.

    57 DAYS UNTIL CLOSING! The ERNA land and the surrounding climate are tailor-made for elephants, ensuring that each elephant who calls ERNA home will thrive.

    Researchers have found that elephants are highly intelligent and capable of many human-like emotions, such as happiness, sorrow and even empathy.

    Beautiful Jon taking a refreshing dip in the water.

    “The pure joy an elephant exhibits when given a resemblance of freedom is what drives me to do more.” – Carol Buckley

     

  • Terra Mater Magazine Covers Carol’s Work in Nepal

    Terra Mater Magazine Covers Carol’s Work in Nepal

    Earlier this year, Terra Mater Magazine, Austria’s equivalent to National Geographic, sent a writer and photographer to cover Carol’s work in Nepal. Read the article in English or the original German (even if you don’t read German, you may want to look at the wonderful photos).eai1Many of the elephants used for elephant back safaris suffer from severe nail splits.

    eai2Carol and a team of volunteers began EAI’s bi-annual foot trimming in Sauraha this morning. The mahouts’ trimming skill level is measurably improved.

    eai3As of yesterday, the Elephant Refuge North America (ERNA) fundraising total is at $871,565.39. Your donations will help make this elephant paradise a reality!

    eai4Carol visiting with her Nepali family in Sauraha. From left to right: nanu (a term of endearment for a little girl), Shanti, Raju, Carol and Paspat (who is the elephant supervisor of National Trust for Nature Conservation).

    eai5Carol boarding the plane from Kathmandu to Bharatpur on the way to foot trimming in Chitwan.

    eai-6“Nature’s great masterpiece, an elephant; the only harmless great thing.” — John Donne. But in today’s world, in response to the stress humans place on elephants in the wild and in captivity, elephants act out in ways contrary to their majestic nature.

    eaiThe Elephant Refuge North America (ERNA) land is an elephant paradise, featuring 850 acres of pastures, lakes, and forests.

    And did you know that:

    • Over the last 6 years, EAI has freed 106 captive-held elephants from chains in Nepal, Thailand and India.
    • EAI designed and built the first solar powered chain-free corral in Asia.

     

  • The Escrow Contract is Signed

    The Escrow Contract is Signed

     

     The escrow contract is signed! 75 days until closing. Elephant Refuge North America will build on what has come before, providing additional options for elephant rescues and retirement. Please participate in this grass roots project to create the next generation of elephant sanctuaries.

    Did you know: There are over 300,000 muscles in an elephant’s trunk. Elephants’ strong trunks help them navigate through life, aiding in the ability to eat, bathe and protect themselves.

    This magnificent beauty is happy to be bathing chain-free.

    Did you know: Elephants gestate for 22 months before birth.

     

    “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” — Anatole France