Elephant Aid International

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Chain Free Corral Project Has Released 106 Elephants

Carol was recently interviewed for KBOO radio’s Voices for the Animals program. “Listen and prepare to be inspired and moved by this remarkable journey of love and hope.”

FACT: With the help of EAI, a total of 106 elephants have been released from chains forever in Nepal, Thailand and India. Read more about the project here.

To provide privacy for the resident elephants and security for the neighbors, Elephant Aid International is constructing a double fence system for Elephant Refuge North America. 30,000 feet of 8 foot high fencing takes some time and effort to install and our crew from Topnotch Fencing is doing an amazing job!

We’re creating the next generation of sanctuary for elephants in captivity… And we couldn’t continue this incredible journey without you. Please consider donating by clicking here — every dollar helps. Thank you for your support!

March 12, 2017
Georgia Outdoors to Track Development of ERNA

Elephant Aid International has joined Evite’s charitable network: Pledgeling. When using Evite to send invitations, you can now request donations to EAI instead of gifts. Perfect for any elephant-loving party planner! Learn more here.

Sharon Collins from GPB’s Georgia Outdoors and cameraman Shane visited Elephant Refuge North America this week to document our progress. The perimeter fence, which acts as a security barrier, is 50% complete. The fence crew is doing an amazing job. Georgia Outdoors plans to track our development and immortalise each elephant that makes ERNA their home.

We would like to show our sincerest gratitude to Sarah Shaw, Founder of Nature Defense Foundation (NDF). Sarah has dedicated herself to helping animals in need and EAI is fortunate to have her join our efforts. The NDF has provided grant funding to Elephant Aid International and continues to provide fundraising and outreach support on an ongoing basis. Thank you, Sarah!

We are working hard to end the worldwide suffering of elephants — and we couldn’t do it without your help. Thank you for your continued support. Please consider donating to ERNA by clicking here.

ERNA will span 850 acres of land. The fence will help secure the perimeter to keep the retired elephants safe and allow them to heal and thrive within their natural environment.

March 5, 2017
ERNA: A Sustainable, Eco-Friendly Paradise

ERNA will allow the opportunity for elephants to retire, recover, and thrive.

“The All Asia Elephant Tour gives you the opportunity to see first hand the range of work being done to improve the lives of captive elephants on the Subcontinent and South East Asia… To respectfully observe elephants from all backgrounds thrive in their environments is a once in a lifetime experience we cannot wait to share with you.” – Tiger Tops Elephant Camp

When Elephant Refuge North America is finished and occupied by elephants, live feed video streaming will be available on the EAI website. You will be able to watch the elephants in real time, while remaining non-invasive of their environment.

As the ERNA construction continues to progress, we will start needing YOUR help in the upcoming months. Once they become available, volunteer opportunities will be posted here and announced via our e-newsletter.

Deb Byczko shared her thoughts on EAI’s dedication to elephants.

Another fantastic photo showing how well the perimeter fence around ERNA is coming along. We are thankful for the hardworking construction crew!

The ERNA land features dense forests, lush pastures, and meandering streams — a perfect environment mimicking an elephant’s natural habitat. Learn more about the project here.

February 27, 2017
We Exist to Improve Elephant Welfare Worldwide

On Facebook, we asked you to tell us what you’ve learned about elephants by following the work of Carol Buckley and EAI. Margaret Mueller gave this important response.

We recently repaired a blown-out bridge at the creek crossing. This area will be preserved, conserved and left untouched, even by the elephants. The stunning hardwood bottoms.

Tiger Tops Elephant Camp is offering the incredible opportunity to book a tour to “respectfully observe” elephants in their natural environment.

We exist to improve elephant welfare worldwide — and we couldn’t help these magnificent beings as well as we do without your continued support. Thank you.

By sharing her life with Tarra, Carol gained profound insight into the emotional needs of elephants. She continues to utilize this knowledge when creating educational programs to improve elephant welfare standards. Read more about our founder here.

We are working hard to raise funds and complete the projects required before elephants make ERNA their home. To aid in this incredible journey, please click here and donate. Thank you for your continued support.

Sherry Heim offered these words of wisdom in the comments of one of our posts asking what you have learned by following the work of EAI and Carol Buckley.

UNCHAINED the documentary won the Animal Award at the Cinema Verde International Environmental Film Festival! The film was well received and was followed by Q&A by our Founder Carol Buckley, whose work in Asia was the subject of the film.

February 20, 2017
ERNA Continues to Make Headlines

The perimeter fence is shaping up and the media continues to cover progress at Elephant Refuge North America! Click here to view a broadcast video from WCTV.

An Asian elephant named Lasah is suffering continued abuse for tourism. Carol Buckley commented: “Lack of sleep and the inability to get off his feet is stress inducing and can compromise his immune system, make him frustrated, aggressive and prone to physical and emotional deterioration.” Click here to read the full article.

When attempting to drive change and help a species, education is paramount. An important aspect of ERNA will be NON INVASIVE research to promote understanding of elephants — ultimately contributing to improved elephant welfare. Learn more about ERNA here.

Light of Consciousness released an article about the history of Carol Buckley and EAI. “One woman’s adoption of a baby elephant began a forty-two-year journey that has revolutionized the care and management of captive elephants worldwide.”

As noted by Toni Rose Delouize, although we can’t take away the elephants’ pains from the past, we can give them hope for a new future.

ERNA will aid in the improvement of elephant welfare by collaborating with governments around the world, as well as with elephant caregivers and elephant owners, to advocate for improved standards and practices for captive elephants.

February 12, 2017
ERNA Fencing Construction is Making Progress!

You can still donate to help ERNA today. We appreciate all of your support; every penny counts. Thank you so much.

Becky Bauer is excited for ERNA to provide rescued elephants with the “freedom of choice” to live their lives as they wish.

The fence crew is here. Fence materials were delivered last week and the crew has already begun construction on the perimeter fence at Elephant Refuge North America. After the land purchase, which took place December 14, 2016, erecting the fence is the next step to realising our dream to provide a safe and healthy environment for captive-held elephants. This is your project as much as ours. Your continued support is needed and sincerely appreciated.

Did you know: Carol Buckley has written multiple books; Travels With Tarra; Just for Elephants; and Tarra and Bella, the elephant and dog who became best friends. Last year, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library chose Buckley’s book Tarra and Bella as a permanent addition to their library, sent to children turning five. Check it out on Amazon.

Java does a great job of overseeing quality control. Neel Contracting is completing the fence line clearing today. Filling in an area that over the years has eroded is last on their list. Perimeter fence construction begins tomorrow! Follow up on Facebook to see more photos of our progress!

Have you subscribed to our newsletter yet? That’s where we will be sending through ERNA updates and volunteer opportunities. If viewing the page on your mobile device, you can sign up for the newsletter by navigating to the EAI homepage and scrolling down until you see “SUBSCRIBE TO OUR E-NEWSLETTER.”

February 5, 2017
Thank You!

We are so thankful for the support we have received from our community. The funding for the fence clearing was raised by the GreaterGood with a generous matching grant from Jeff and Janis Rosenthal. And the Nature Defense Foundation, under the direction of Sarah Shaw, funded the perimeter fence construction. We are on our way, in a big way!

Shristi Singh Shrestha’s comment about why she is excited for the development of ERNA: Elephants deserve a home.

The recent rains caused a bit of erosion at the creek crossing at ERNA, which we needed to repair. We will seed this area and cover with hay. In days the grasses will sprout and stabilise the soil.

The Dodo video about EAI foot care.

This old house was found on the ERNA property. Would you participate in a volunteer day to salvage the tongue and grove wood siding?

This photo was snapped while repairing a creek crossing at ERNA. Can you spot the dog?

January 30, 2017
Follow EAI on Twitter!

Elephants are not objects for human amusement. Using elephants as attractions ends when tourists refuse to visit cruel events — such as the “elephant car wash” seen in this article.

Are you following Elephant Aid International on Twitter? Stay up to date on the latest EAI news and read what others are saying @ElephantAidIntl.

Speak out on behalf of animals in need.

In Defense of Animals released a list of the top 10 worst zoos for elephants in 2016. Oklahoma City Zoo topped the list. Warning: The link contains images and videos that may be upsetting to witness. View the full list here.

EAI draws on decades of experience designing and building sanctuaries that give captive elephants new lives of freedom and autonomy. ERNA is a much-needed, sustainable, eco-friendly, natural habitat home, where elephants will not merely survive, they will thrive. Learn more about EAI’s mission, vision and goals for ERNA here.

January 22, 2017
Clearing for Perimeter Fence Has Started

Did you know: Carol Buckley was featured in Care2’s article “9 Women Who Are Saving the Planet” – alongside Jane Goodall and Dr. Sylvia Earle.

Want to learn more about the Unchained documentary, featuring the work of Carol Buckley and EAI? Follow the link here for more information and a trailer.

Elephants are truly majestic beings. It’s an honor to be in their presence.

We started clearing for the perimeter fence last Monday. The crew is making great progress. With any luck the fence crew will begin building in less than two weeks!

Recently, China announced that they will begin making changes to shut down the commercial trade for ivory. According to this article, the move “could help elephant populations stabilize and recover in Africa.” However, there are concerns that poaching will begin to occur more frequently in other areas — but each step is still a step toward elephant conservation.

This incredible video features footage of an elephant gently picking up a tortilla chip with such delicacy that she didn’t break it — a truly amazing measure of elephants’ strength and grace.

January 16, 2017
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“Clearly, animals know more than we think, and think a great deal more than we know.” — Irene Pepperberg

Here’s a feel-good elephant story: A photographer stumbled upon a wild elephant in Zimbabwe — who stretched gracefully to reach for food in tall trees. Important to remember that the elephants did not remain in this position for any length of time, otherwise they could sustain an injury.

In addition to rescuing and rehabilitating elephants, ERNA will also aim to contribute to the growing body of knowledge of captive-held elephant welfare through non-invasive, observational research and educational outreach. Join us.

A truly devastating story. An elephant named Sabre was rescued by conservationists in Borneo. After helping the beautiful being, they released him back into the wild, assuming he would be safe since poaching isn’t common on the island. Unfortunately, shortly after, the conservationists discovered Sabre had been killed for his ivory tusks. Read the full article here.

Have you signed up for our e-newsletter yet? Stay up-to-date on all of the latest EAI happenings that you may have missed. Plus, we will be sending employment and volunteer opportunities as they become available through the newsletter as well. Sign up by clicking here.

“Any glimpse into the life of an animal quickens our own and makes it so much the larger and better in every way.” – John Muir

January 8, 2017
Are You Interested in Volunteering for ERNA?

“I always knew I would create a new base for elephants in the United States when the time was right and the right location presented itself. It is thanks to each and every one of you for your encouragement and support that I can say, now is the time.” – Carol Buckley

Proper footcare is essential to maintaining the overall health of a captive elephant. Thin, uneven and bruised foot pads, as well as cracked nails, can lead to deadly infections.

“It takes nothing away from a human to be kind to an animal.” — Joaquin Phoenix

This story covered the broker’s reaction to the ERNA land being used for elephants. “I’ve worked with quite a few people who have looked for different properties but that was kind of the icing on the cake there. After talking with Carol I could tell how dedicated she was for caring for elephants.”

Are you interested in volunteering for ERNA? In the upcoming months, we will need YOUR help. Sign up for our monthly e-newsletter and bookmark the page below and check back regularly because we will be posting volunteer and employment opportunities as they become available.

January 3, 2017
ERNA Announced in South Georgia

Elephant Refuge North America (ERNA), located in Attapulgus, Georgia, provides a natural environment in which captive-held elephants can recover from past traumas and develop healthy bonds with caregivers and other elephants. ERNA improves elephant welfare by collaborating with governments around the world, elephant caregivers and elephant owners; raising awareness of the plight of captive-held elephants everywhere they live; and advocating for improved standards and practices. Watch this video to learn more.

ERNA has created quite a BUZZ! The media is pleasantly surprised by the interest and positive response to our project. We always knew people would be excited, who doesn’t love elephants! Visit EAI in the News to see all of our recent news coverage.

This wonderful blog explores how Tiger Tops Elephant Camp is supporting elephant welfare by having unchained elephants who do not give rides or provide entertainment for tourists. Carol and EAI worked with Tiger Tops to design a new program that allows visitors to learn about elephants by accompanying them on their daily forays into the jungle.

“It’s sometimes tempting to anthropomorphize — to give an animal human characteristics — but the more I speak to people about elephants, the more elephants seem special.” This CNN article explores the wisdom of elephants, and how cruel poachers have caused a rapid dwindling of the worldwide elephant population.

Are you still searching for holiday gifts for your loved ones? Consider donating to elephants in need on behalf of an elephant-loving friend — a truly unique sentiment that benefits a greater cause.

Carol meeting with the architects, Alex Krumdieck and Jerrod Winslett of Krumdieck A+I Design, who are designing the new barn at Elephant Refuge North America.

December 23, 2016