Haatha, hati, hatti, hathi, are all words referring to the Asian elephant. Kipling, in his infamous Jungle Book, gave life to his supporting character, naming him Colonel Hathi. There is something … [Read more...]
Why Does That Elephant Have A Chain Around His Neck?
For the past few years, most of my time and energy has been devoted to freeing captive held elephants from chains. Working alongside Nepali partners, we have created 37 chain free corrals, in 15 … [Read more...]
Sunder the Elephant Embarks on New Life
Elephant welfare expert Carol Buckley says rescued elephant is in good hands at model facility. More than a month after his rescue from a life of horrific suffering, 15-year-old bull elephant … [Read more...]
Elephant Back Safaris: Misery for Elephants
May 24, 2014, 8:30AM, Sauraha, Nepal. The temperature is already 32 degrees Celsius (about 90 degrees Fahrenheit). Tens of elephants are already hard at work. Each morning at dawn, seven days … [Read more...]
Five Elephants Freed!
Two years ago, a young captive born elephant broke free from an ancient tradition. That was Prakriti Kali, the first elephant in Nepal to be released from chains. Six months later, five more … [Read more...]
Change is Afoot
March 29 The first two corrals at Kasara hattisar are finally ready. The air is charged with anticipation. Rescuing an elephant to sanctuary or releasing them from chains brings the same mix … [Read more...]
Progress Report on Chain-Free Corral Project at Kasara Hattisar
The framework for all six chain-free corrals at the Kasara hattisar is in place. Support and brace posts are concreted. Gateposts mark the entrance to each new corral. Heart work Eyeing the … [Read more...]
Elephant abuse in Nepal: Are the mahouts really to blame?
It’s easy to look at an elephant shackled by both front feet to the ground, with open wounds, and blame the mahout. But I challenge you to learn the facts. Elephants belong to hotel owners In … [Read more...]
Foot Trimming in Bardia, Nepal
I'm back from Bardia. What an adventure! It was a 10-hour drive through mountains on rough roads. The 19-year-old driver of our rental truck scared the daylights out of all of us with his speeding, … [Read more...]
Report: Chain-Free Project, National Trust for Nature Conservation — Biodiversity Conservation Center
Chain-Free Hattisar Project National Trust for Nature Conservation – Biodiversity Conservation Center Chitwan, Nepal REPORT Project completed Jan 10, 2013 Department of National Parks and … [Read more...]
A precious soul lost
It's been a pretty intense week. A two-year-old female calf at the breeding center was diagnosed with herpes. Even though she received treatment, she passed away two days later. Herpes is … [Read more...]
Back in Sauraha, Chitwan, Nepal
Working in Asia the past two years I have learned a tremendous amount about how culture and tradition affect collaborative conservation efforts. Among the most important lessons is the need to ensure … [Read more...]