One World...One Elephant at a Time
Partnering with people and organizations with shared goals is key to success as a foreign NGO working in Asia. Since hurry up and wait is a culturally accepted norm, an ample supply of patience and … [Read more...]
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...]
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...]
Chain free, Elephant welfare, Elephants in Asia
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...]
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...]
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...]
Chain free, Elephants in Asia, Mahouts
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...]
Chain free, Elephants in Asia, Mahouts
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...]
Elephants in Asia, Mahouts, Training
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...]
Elephants I have known, Elephants in the U.S., Tarra
Feb 14, 2014 Hi my dear Tarra, Happy Birthday! I can hardly believe you are turning 40. It just doesn’t seem possible, does it? I miss you babe, and hope you have a fabulous birthday! I sure … [Read more...]
Elephant welfare, Elephants in Asia, Mahouts, Training
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...]
Elephant welfare, Elephants in Asia, Foot care, Mahouts
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...]
