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...]
Himal Gaj
Himal Gaj is a six-year-old captive born elephant. His father is the dominant wild bull in the area. His mother is a wild born, captive resident of the elephant breeding center at Khosor, Chitwan, … [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...]
in the dark of night
A hauntingly familiar sound of clanking chains passed by my window, so close I thought perhaps my wall would be crushed. The clink clink clink of cold metal bracelets was unmistakable; an escapee was … [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...]
Bahabur’s surgery
Oct 17th [Warning: This post includes graphic photos.] My first morning in Assam, I awoke to learn there was an elephant emergency. Thirty-five-year-old, Bahabur, a skilled koonki … [Read more...]
Sweetie Kali’s Water Trough
When Paspat, the mahout supervisor at National Trust for Nature Conservation, asked about a water trough for Sweetie Kali, I nearly fell off my chair. Seriously--- his question was a shocker because … [Read more...]
On Patrol
When Nandu learned that I wanted to accompany Sweetie Kali on her anti-poaching patrol he directed me to Ram Kumar who graciously cleared my request with Paspat, the mahout supervisor. Realizing how … [Read more...]
Fundraising for Sweetie Kali’s chain-free corral a success!
I am sincerely grateful, as I know are Sweetie Kali and the entire NTNC staff, for your generosity toward the creation of Sweetie Kali’s chain-free yard. The funds raised to date cover the cost of … [Read more...]