Foot care, Mahouts, Sanctuaries, Training
Jan 24 It’s my first day back at BLES and I am over-the-moon excited about what has taken place. As promised, Katherine had a sturdy exercise/training pen constructed and a raised concrete platform … [Read more...]
Mahouts, Sanctuaries, Training
Tim Gorski of Rattle the Cage Productions spent all day yesterday at the Park, from sun up to sun down, documenting the relationship between Chang Yim and Karl, his mahout. I was thrilled when Tim … [Read more...]
Chain free, Foot care, Sanctuaries
My time at BLES was supposed to be devoted to foot trimming for all the elephants and target training with Mee Chok. If I have learned anything during my travels in Asia, it is patience. Elephants … [Read more...]
It was a pleasure to be back at BLES. The simple elegance of the sanctuary results in a brilliant function: a peaceful haven for elephant and human alike. Oh yes -- the many dogs and cats find the … [Read more...]
Visiting Vietnam was quite an adventure. Forget about the leisurely bike ride suggested in the guide books -- you take your life in your hands just crossing the street! Even though they drive on the … [Read more...]
This afternoon I am leaving ENP for a few weeks. My travels will take me to Vietnam for nearly two weeks and then back to Thailand for a week at Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary. So, as you might … [Read more...]
Dec 22, 2010 This morning I woke to the sad reality of death. Som Boon passed during the night. Thumbing through my notes, I see that on day two of my time at ENP I saw Som Boon and jotted down in … [Read more...]
Josh Plotnik, PhD, heads elephant research at Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation, Anantara Golden Triangle, Thailand. Josh conducted the mirror study at the Bronx Zoo I was fortunate to meet … [Read more...]
Chain free, Elephant welfare, Mahouts, Research
Earlier this week I had the opportunity to visit two more elephant facilities in Thailand. Anantara, near the Golden Triangle, was my first stop. Although long, the bus trip north was well worth … [Read more...]
My days are filled with shadowing the "family" in the habitat and doing foot trimming and target training. I am having a blast! It really is a gift to be able to focus solely on these limited … [Read more...]
Chang Yim has been in training for less than two weeks. His progress has surprised everyone... except Karl and me. Lek returned to the Park today after being away for a few days. She commented on … [Read more...]
Foot care, Mahouts, Sanctuaries
Nineteen elephants at ENP have been identified as candidates for foot care. The schedule is set to provide pachyderm pedicures at the hospital building twice daily. When I was in Thailand last June … [Read more...]
