Elephant Aid International

Author: Carol

  • Elephants Everywhere

    Elephants Everywhere

    April 18

    The town of Sauraha borders on Chitwan National Park and is a world away from Kathmandu. What an inspiring place. Exotic bird vocalizations fill what otherwise would be a serene silence. Every manner of chirp, caw, twitter and call creates an exhilarating backdrop for this pleasant forest atmosphere.

    The people and the local dogs are refreshingly friendly!  The traditional namaste greeting, hands clasped together at chest level accompanied by a polite head bow, encourages interaction, bridging an otherwise seemingly insurmountable gap caused by the language barrier.  But with this bow and respectful greeting, cultures merge and friendships are born. For the veteran members of the ECI team, friendships with the locals are rekindled and strengthened; everyone is extremely happy to see the foreign vet team back in Sauraha.

    The short walk from our lodging into town is rich with color and contrast.  Beautifully clad women, parasol in hand, gracefully walking down dirt roads flanked by tethered buffalo, foraging goats, a scattering of chickens and elephants. It is surreal; in less than a half-mile stretch of road, nine elephant stables dot the landscape. These elephants, used for tourist safaris, appear no more out of place here than the family dog in the backyards of suburban America.

    Today was a day for silent observation as each turn in the rugged road brought another stable and tethered elephant into view.  In their mini-environments, elephants stand under a covered stable with a water source to one side, the mahouts residence directly in front and a trough for disposing dung directly behind. Under foot is an ample supply of fresh-cut “elephant grass.” The elephants appeared calm and relatively uninterested in passers-by, even though most are only a few feet off of the road. Once I get over the culture shock of seeing elephants literally around every corner I will concentrate on getting to know each elephant and their history, and of course I will share that information with you.

  • Meeting Pawan Kali

    Meeting Pawan Kali

    April 16

    As I sit here composing my blog update the electricity has gone off, resulting in the steady hum of backup generators adding to the pulse of the city.  A thin stream of smoke gracefully dances skyward from the mosquito coil in the middle of my room. After hesitating at the door frame, a small furry rodent scurried across the open doorway as two geckos cling to the ceiling directly overhead. They are as still as silence, imitating a wall painting…they are so cute!

    Today’s activities included meetings at the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) and the Central Zoo.  Dr. Susan Mikota has developed quite a reputation here in Nepal; she is held in high esteem. While at the zoo we were given a tour, met some of the zoo staff and, from a respectable distance, met Pawan (paw-wan) Kali, the pride of the zoo.

    Pawan Kali is believed to be in her 60s. She is stately and beautiful, an impressive Kali (female) elephant who stands close to 11 feet tall.  I was told that Tuesdays are recognized by the zoo as the day to honor Ganesh.  On this day, Pawan Kali and local residents are treated to a well received tradition: the zoo provides special food that the public can hand feed to Pawan Kali. We were not witness to this weekly ritual but there is no doubt that both Pawan Kali and the local residents enjoy the special activity.

    During my conversation with Dr. Jeewan (g-wan) Thapa, the zoo’s veterinarian, I learned that plans are being considered to retire Pawan Kali to the National Trust Nature Conservancy stable at Chitwan National Park. Not having visited the facility yet I can’t say what this change would mean for Pawan Kali, who has lived at the zoo for nearly 35 years.  I questioned Jeewan about how Pawan Kali might respond to the move and he responded confidently that she would have no problem. Interestingly enough, Pawan Kali lived at the NTNC prior to moving to the zoo. It is unclear if she would be reunited with any of her former herd members but wouldn’t that be exciting if her return meant a reunion. Just the fact that Pawan Kali will once again live with elephants after being alone for so long is a very exciting prospect.

  • A Rooftop View

    A Rooftop View

    April 15

    Today members of Dr. Susan Mikota’s  Elephant Care International team met with representatives from  the Center for Molecular Dynamics – Nepal to discuss their collaborative work on elephant DNA. This is seriously promising work that will provide yet another diagnosis tool for elephant diseases. The full extent of the application of this study is yet to be realized but without a doubt this is important work for captive elephant welfare.

    The rooftop view from the CMDN lab was staggeringly impressive, equal only to the depth of brilliance, enthusiasm and dedication exhibited by CMDN’s International Director Dibesh(Da-besh) Karmacharya and Country Director Sameer (Sue-mar) Dixit.  Although full underwriting has yet to be secured for the current DNA project, the benefits of this research will be immeasurable.  As evidence of their dedication to elephant welfare, CMDN has agreed to move forward on the project, which involves hours of lab work, processing hundreds of samples collected by Dr. Mikota’s team.

    From my perch on the roof top a scene familiar to city dwellers caught my eye. Down below, casually ambling along a busy city street, were several cows, a sacred and revered animal in Nepal. While cars and motorcycles gave the animals a wide berth to ensure their safety, the cows meandered along, seemingly undisturbed by the hustle and bustle of the city—their destination known to only them.

  • I’ve Arrived

    I’ve Arrived

    April 14, 2010

    I have arrived!  Surprise, today is Nepal’s New Year’s Day! Not a coincidence I am sure. The flight was easy; I spent most of it sleeping.  Upon arrival, I was pleasantly surprised by the low noise level and lack of high energy activity that is standard at most airports; the energy was peaceful.

    I scanned the crowd of waiting drivers displaying handmade signs with names scribbled in different styles and sizes looking for my name, when from the crowd emerged a young man. Between his hands he was holding a sign bearing my name and he wore a huge smile as he questioned, “Carol Buckley?”  A surge of joy ran through me as I returned the smile. I had arrived!

    It was a short drive to Thamel through crowded streets, and I mean crowded, with cars, pedestrians, buses, motor bikes and rickshaws crisscrossing over every inch of the narrow road. Surprisingly the congestion was stimulating and I was thankful that the air quality was not what I expected; it was not at all offensive. Colors blurred as we sped past every size and shape shop that lined the narrow pothole riddled streets.

    The main road leading to my lodging, The Sun Rise Cottage, billed as “like your home,” was blocked in preparation for the New Year’s Day celebration. Color was bursting out everywhere — flowers, lights, fabrics…and music. What a fabulous welcome!

    And how wonderful that the standard greeting is namaste. I feel like I have really arrived home.

    Namaste,

    Carol

  • Anticipation

    My adventure begins when the plane touches down in Kathmandu, Nepal, on April 14. I will spend the first few days familiarizing myself with my new surroundings, the society and the people.  Kathmandu will be my initial introduction to Nepal’s elephant culture.

    It is my good fortune to be joining a highly skilled and seriously motivated veterinary team. Meetings are scheduled with NGOs and government officials in order for the team to be brought up-to-date on several projects.  As a new member of the team, I will focus on absorbing as much information as is humanly possible.  After less than a week in Kathmandu, we will travel southeast to Chitwan, to administer veterinary care to tens of elephants over the next several weeks.

    Elephants have been my focus and the driving force in my life since I was 20 years old. Although travel has always been my second love, my work at the Sanctuary has kept me virtually home-bound.  I have no regrets, only gratitude for the years spent providing a safe haven for elephants. The Sanctuary is the manifestation of my dream; a significant component of my life’s work. Without question, I will always cherish the memories and relationships that I have developed with all my Girls.  As my future unfolds I realize that I have found a way to combine my two true loves by traveling to assist elephants.

    It is hard to contain my excitement at the prospect of being of assistance to so many elephants.

    Carol

  • Elephant Aid International

    Elephant Aid International

    These elephants benefit from the mobile health care program I established over five years ago.

    Welcome to my new blog! I am so excited to share this great news with you. Never one to stand around and watch the grass grow, I decided to create a new nonprofit organization called

    Elephant Aid International.

    I guess that makes all of you ELEAIDS.

    The mission of Elephant Aid International is to assist elephants worldwide…one elephant at a time. I believe in the power of one, that every elephant counts. On my travels I will be searching for opportunities to learn about elephant and mahout life in Nepal, India and Thailand. Whenever and wherever possible, I hope to impart what elephants have taught me about non-dominance passive-control management and the sanctuary life style.

    It is my good fortune to be invited by elephant experts to participate in field work, elephant medical care and even brainstorming with other like-minds for the creation of elephant sanctuaries in Nepal and India. I am focusing on the future, thankful for this opportunity to be of service on a much grander scale.  This trip is humbling, a fabulous opportunity to further my studies of this magnificent species and a chance to give back.

    Imagine the prospect of sharing what I have learned from our girls to benefit their relatives, in their homeland. It is more than I ever dreamed possible. Talk about coming full circle and paying it forward.

    I can’t wait to see what the future holds. My flight to Kathmandu leaves April 12. After a pit stop in Bangkok I join up with a team of veterinarians and technicians for the first leg of my trip. I will blog as often as possible to include you in the adventure and, of course, introduce you to each and every elephant I am blessed to meet along the way. The future is indeed BRIGHT.

    Namaste,

    Carol