BLES has rescued again!

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My last day with Katherine and Anon of BLES was spent driving hours to find a baby elephant reportedly in trouble. Upon our arrival the calf was nowhere to be found, but we were introduced to Wassana.

A mature elephant of more than 40 years, Wassana was being used for tourist trekking. Her pronounced limp brought attention to the serious injury she had sustained some time ago. A large section of her foot, including a toe and nail, had been blown away by a land mine. Like so many other working elephants, this injury happened while Wassana was being used for illegal logging.

With heavy hearts we drove to another tourist trekking and show camp to find baby Pheung Yai. When we arrived I nearly shut down, unable to process the magnitude of suffering experienced by the elephants in this camp.

Over the next several weeks Katherine worked diligently, negotiating and fundraising. Thanks to the generosity of many supporters, BLES was able to rescue not only Wassana, but the tiny baby Pheung Yai, as well.

BLES is providing a humane alternative for Thailand’s jewels; without a doubt, guided by Ganesha.

Comments

7 responses to “BLES has rescued again!”

August 6, 2010

Kristin

So heartbreaking. You can tell those poor elephants are showing stereotypy even in the still photos, from what I can tell. It breaks my heart for their suffering. Thank you again for all that you are doing, Carol.

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August 6, 2010

sherryheim

Through tears and a heavy heart, I read your words, Carol. The suffering of these elephants is beyond what I can even begin to wrap my mind around. Thankfully there is BLES,IEA and others like you to help raise awareness and save some elephants in the process. Elephants are such emotional creatures, I cannot understand how anyone could think it appropriate to treat them in the ways that they do; breaking their spirits and crushing their will just to prove that they are able to control them. Ahhh…and then I think of Shirley and how much she has endured and how she has no time to blame those who care for her, for the actions of those who came into her life before. Where do elephants find the compassion to forgive and the heart to love again? We have so much to learn from these amazing beings, I pray that we figure that out before they all vanish.

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August 7, 2010

rakshaming

I’m so glad you were able to rescue Wassana and the baby elephant.

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1. August 7, 2010
  
  Carol
  
  oh, make no mistake, I was only a bystander to the heroic rescue made by Kat and Anon. They and their financial supporters did all the work. I simply stood on the sidelines and cheered them on!
  
  Reply
August 7, 2010

Cora

You were a witness to their sad condition before they were rescued and I’m sure Kat and Anon welcomed your support and encouragement.

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August 7, 2010

Beth

This is what can happen when strangers from all over the world want to help…I am so happy I could play in a small part of this. Knowing these two beautiful elephants are free and safe now is the best feeling!! Katherine and everyone at BLES rock!! But so do you, Carol 🙂 Thank you for these photos, too..

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August 10, 2010

Lesley

Looking at that foot just breaks my heart. Human beings can be so cruel and cruelly indifferent to the suffering they inflict. I am horrified by the ignorance of tourists and loathe them even more than the people trying to make a living by exploiting the elephants. How are they any different to people who pay to see circus side shows? I fault them because if it wasn’t for their consumerism, these outfits couldn’t exist.

TES doesn’t need corporate CEOs, it needs its founder back.

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