After nearly two years of preparation and numerous setbacks our chain-free corral project In Thailand is scheduled to begin July 12th. In October 2013, I visited two sites–Friends of the Asian … [Read more...]
Male Elephants in Captivity
Caring for male elephants in captivity is a challenge at best. Attempts to provide a quality of life within the parameters dictated by their captivity produce poor results. Their size, natural … [Read more...]
Rhinos and reunions
Chitwan National Park's annual rhino count is underway. 50 government elephants, from all over Nepal, take part in the survey. Elephants and their mahouts fan out through the jungle, covering … [Read more...]
Changing minds, changing culture
This release was a surprise to all of us and the reason we build a chain-free corral for each elephant, even if we are told the elephant will remain on chains. You just never know what will happen … [Read more...]
Ganesha Kali and her calf are chain free!
Ganesha Kali and her unnamed calf were the first to be released in a procession of another seven elephants in our Chain Free Means Pain Free program. Their mahout was surprisingly receptive to … [Read more...]
Soon They Will Be Chain Free!
Ganesha and her young calf Kasara Gaj have lived on chains their entire lives. Captive elephants are wild animals and an endangered species. The tradition of chaining disregards the trauma this … [Read more...]
A change in diet
Sundar Mala is nearly 70 years old and resides at the Sauraha hattisar in Chitwan, Nepal. Recently she began to lose weight, resulting in her removal from her friends Loctandra Kali and Oma Kali, to … [Read more...]
The Suffering Continues At Nepal’s Top Tourist Destination
EAI has been "boots on the ground" in Nepal for nearly five years. Initially, much of our efforts were focused on improving welfare for the privately owned elephants used for tourist … [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...]
