Elephant welfare, Mahouts, Sanctuaries
June 15, 2010 After a ninety-minute drive I arrived at Lek’s Elephant Nature Park, north of Chiang Mai. Although I have known Lek for years, this was my first visit to the Nature Park. I have … [Read more...]
June 14, 2010 I was not at all prepared for what I would experience this afternoon. Still flying high from my experience at Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary, I was caught off guard as we drove north … [Read more...]
Elephant welfare, Mahouts, Sanctuaries
June 14, 2010 At the break of dawn I left a little piece of heaven called Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary. Completely removed from the real world, this elephant paradise is a ray of hope for Asian … [Read more...]
June 8 I am sitting on my duffel bag, back up against a pillar, facing the platform in the Dehradun train station. So far the activity resembles any high traffic transport area but it mostly … [Read more...]
June 6 Today I traveled from Corbett Tiger Reserve to Rajaji National Park. It was great to finally have an opportunity to spend time with Christy Williams, who oversees wild elephants and rhinos … [Read more...]
June 3, 2010 This morning I really hated to pack my bags and leave the Annimalai Tiger Reserve. Its towering bamboo stands, peaceful setting and intensely beautiful landscape was spellbinding. … [Read more...]
June 2 All I can say is sensory overload, starting with the forest rest house built in 1926 and including the wildlife and spectacular landscape. While catching up on some journaling, the first … [Read more...]
June 1, 2010 Today I left Mudumalai for Coimbatore. Each place I stay has a distinct flavor, subtle differences that catch me by surprise. At first glance it seems that all the places are alike, … [Read more...]
Elephant welfare, Mahouts, Other animals
May 30 Finally…I have seen my first wild elephants. Two small herds: one with four females -- two adults with two young calves; the other with two young calves, two adults and an adolescent tusker. … [Read more...]
May 26 Today’s quest for knowledge about elephants living in captive environments in Asia took me to an ashram. Two elephants live here: a mature male and adolescent female. Both were gifts from … [Read more...]
Elephant welfare, Other animals, Sanctuaries
May 24 I spent the day with Suparna Ganguly, a trustee of CUPA, Compassion Unlimited Plus Action, a well-respected animal welfare NGO doing fabulous work in India. In addition to running a dog … [Read more...]
May 22 Yesterday was my last day with Dr. K. K. Sarma and his health camp team: Kalita (elephant owner and management expert), Manav (assistant vet to Dr. Sarma) and the ever-inspiring elephants of … [Read more...]
