While in Asia this past year I witnessed a serious health problem, rampant in captive elephants: colic. The individuals most affected are in middle to old age, in questionable health, poor drinkers, … [Read more...]
India’s continued efforts to protect captive elephants
India continues to make elephant welfare a priority. Following the banning of elephants from zoos and circuses, the Travacore Devasworm Board has severely restricted the practices of using elephants … [Read more...]
a need for change, right here at home
I recently returned from a lengthy trip to Asia, where I taught traditional mahouts (trainers) a gentler, more humane way of training and working with captive elephants. Viewing the undercover … [Read more...]
a powerful lesson
I am back in Sauraha, feeling like I have come full circle. For the past week I have trimmed feet at the government center. The majority of elephants who have received pedicures are adult males used … [Read more...]
A Gem in Sri Lanka
I realize that this entry is out of sequence but it deserves singular attention. While in Sri Lanka I was fortunate to meet up with a veterinarian named Deepani Jayantha. She develops and manages … [Read more...]
Lakshmipriya and Bishnu
I have spent the past several days observing Lakshmipriya and Bishnupriya, two young temple elephants living at an ashram in Mayapur, India. Thanks to the dedication of Hrimati Dasi, a lifetime … [Read more...]
an experiment in providing freedom
Today Suparna Ganguly of Compassion Unlimited Plus Action (CUPA), a member of EAI’s Advisory Council, and I started on a fabulous adventure to the Dubare National Park. An adventurous young woman … [Read more...]
Sri Lanka condensed
Feb 19 I am on a plane leaving Sri Lanka with my head spinning and heart smiling. This gem of a country has its challenges when it comes to both wild and captive elephant management but the people … [Read more...]
Good News
Som Boon is fine. Shortly before midnight I set out toward the vet hospital, following the voices that were encouraging Som Boon to walk. It was pitch dark so I felt my way along the dusty road, … [Read more...]
the adventure continues
Wow what a day, I mean what a week! It was harder than expected to leave Mee Chok, Lom and all the magnificent elephants at BLES. I hopped on a plane from Sukhothai to Bangkok after sharing some final … [Read more...]
Som Boon
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...]
An added benefit of non-invasive 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...]
