Elephant Aid International

Category: Elephant Refuge North America (ERNA)

  • 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.

    unchained poster
    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.

  • 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.

  • The Sale of ERNA is Closed!


    Broker Walter Hatchett, board member Leslie Schreiber, CEO Carol Buckley and the ever faithful Java arrived at ERNA after an eight hour drive. They are all tired but very excited that the sale is final and ERNA is a reality.

     

    “Have you ever heard of the saying that an elephant never forgets? It’s true.” An 8th grade student from the International School Dhaka in Bangladesh wrote this poignant article about the cruelty elephants endure for human entertainment. In the article, the intelligent and compassionate student mentioned Carol as a source for information.

     


    IT’S OFFICIAL: The sale of the Elephant Refuge North America is closed. We’re one step closer toward providing a home for elephants to thrive. Thank you for your support — we couldn’t do this without you. If you would like to pitch in, we’re still accepting donations. Click here to donate today. 

     


    “Love of animals is a universal impulse, a common ground on which all of us may meet. By loving and understanding animals, perhaps we humans shall come to understand each other.” — Louis J. Camuti

     

    The Central Zoo Authority of India will no longer recognize seven circuses due to reported incidents of animal cruelty. As a result of the CZA making this move, the circuses will no longer be permitted to use wild animals (including elephants) in the entertainment. Unfortunately, the CZA does not have the power to rule against the use of domestic animals. Click here to read the article. 

  • Two Great Ways to Support ERNA!

    Two Great Ways to Support ERNA!

    CoCre homepage imageTwo terrific fundraising sites are supporting the Elephant Refuge North America (ERNA) fundraising campaign.

    The Animal Rescue site is offering an opportunity to support ERNA and have your donation doubled! For a limited time, a generous donor will match your $8 donation, which will pay for two feet fencing, up to $15,000! Don’t wait – donate today!

    The CoCre website is a storytelling platform to raise awareness and resources for good causes and organizations. The site has launched a fundraising campaign to support ERNA.

  • Current donation total is now at $858,945.00

    Current donation total is now at $858,945.00

    captureThe current donation total is now at $858,945.00. From the bottom of our hearts, we deeply appreciate your support in our efforts to help provide a better environment for elephants. We want to acknowledge the kindness every individual who donates and likes, comments or shares our posts. You are all contributing to the cause. Thank you. Donate today!

    14713070_1290567650973593_3888856378838742979_oElephants in Asia compete with humans for nearly all resources, including bamboo, a staple of the Asian elephant diet and traditional building material for humans. As long as humans see their needs as more deserving, elephants will continue to suffer. We must continue our efforts by educating the mahouts and providing chain-free corrals for captive-held elephants.

    14715661_1293375797359445_6945717541295315919_oShree (a mahout trained using EAI’s Compassionate Elephant Care) shows fellow mahout a more humane, more effective way to work around Samrat Gaj, a 4-month old captive-born elephant in Nepal. The mahout student is delighted by the results.

    14714836_1293522757344749_3029055320299766199_oThis newborn calf, only hours old, suckles from his mother — aided by a mahout learning new ways of relating to elephants. Compassionate Elephant Care, an EAI program being taught to all mahouts at government owned hattisars (elephant stables) in Nepal, is changing how mahouts manage their elephants.

    chitwan1Change starts with one person, who can inspire a whole group, who can go on to inspire the entire world. For elephants, chain free means pain free. By supporting the mahouts who care for impoverished elephants, the welfare of both is improved. Show the mahouts that you recognize their value. Support their transition from archaic to humane.

    14692053_1295359530494405_4158283269240433179_o“The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute of man.” – Charles Darwin

    14711625_1295361663827525_8717717484992416154_oDid you know: Elephants take “dust baths” — as seen in the picture below — to protect their sensitive skin from sunburn and biting insects

    14712991_1296262603737431_6131236874564709140_oThe ERNA closing date has been pushed to December 15th, so now we stand at 57 days until closing! To help raise funds for the elephant paradise, donate today!

  • The Escrow Contract is Signed

    The Escrow Contract is Signed

     

     The escrow contract is signed! 75 days until closing. Elephant Refuge North America will build on what has come before, providing additional options for elephant rescues and retirement. Please participate in this grass roots project to create the next generation of elephant sanctuaries.

    Did you know: There are over 300,000 muscles in an elephant’s trunk. Elephants’ strong trunks help them navigate through life, aiding in the ability to eat, bathe and protect themselves.

    This magnificent beauty is happy to be bathing chain-free.

    Did you know: Elephants gestate for 22 months before birth.

     

    “Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.” — Anatole France