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———— Wildlife 1 Foundation Develops New Animal Sanctuary ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on December 18, 2011
On the 1st of December 2011 Wildlife 1 Foundation secured a 10 rai site next to Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary for the building of a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre. With support from Elephant Nature Park they were able to secure this beautiful site that they will develop into a valuable facility for the treatment and rehabilitation of abused and confiscated wildlife and for education and conservation projects within the Chiang Dao protected area. [Read more]
———— BONUS November 2011 Ele-Art Auction ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on November 21, 2011
This bonus art auction is an original acrylic on canvas painting of Tong Jan, Mae Tee, and Tong Daeng with their trunks in each other's mouths. [Read more]
———— Elephant Art Auction: November 2011 ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on November 21, 2011
This month's art auction is an original acrylic on canvas painting of Mae Bua Tong, Faa Sai, Faa Mai, Dok Ngern, Tong Jan and Chang Yim playing together on a mound of dirt. [Read more]
———— New Lek Chailert Photo Available For Auction ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on November 21, 2011
This month a new black and white photograph taken by the founder of Elephant Nature Park, Sangduen "Lek" Chailert, is up for auction. It features Hope with Tong Jan pressing their heads together. [Read more]
———— 2012 Elephant Nature Park Calendar ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on November 21, 2011
The 2012 calendar from Elephant Nature Park is now available for sale at the Park gift shop. The beautiful photographs featured in the calendar were taken by Sangduen "Lek" Chailert, founder of Elephant Nature Park. [Read more]
———— ENF Working with Cambodian Wildlife Sanctuary ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on October 19, 2011
Elephant Nature Park is happy to be working with the Cambodian Wildlife Sanctuary to assist in developing a natural space for many elephants about an hour north of Siem Reap. [Read more]
———— Elephant Landmine Injury ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on October 19, 2011
On 30 August 20011 , Elephant Nature Park received an urgent phone call from the headman of a Karen village along the Burma border. He needed immediate help to save his female elephant who had been badly injured from a landmine. [Read more]
———— Mae Geao - Still Going Strong ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on October 14, 2011
Almost one year ago, we thought we were going to lose Mae Geao. Now eleven months later, she is doing better than ever. She is incredibly active, socially confident among her peers and as of late, has been an ele-mermaid! [Read more]
———— More land is secured to benefit the ENP herd ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on October 13, 2011
Thanks again to the kind and generous animal loving Americans Bob Barker and Bert and Christine Von Roemer of the Serengeti Foundation, who together donated the funds needed to buy 38 acres of mountainside across the river in the southerly direction. [Read more]
———— Thai TV Star to Act as Elephant Ambassador for Thai people ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on October 13, 2011
Thai TV personality Miss Benjasiri Wattana - better known as Khun Boe - will begin work with ENF as our Thai Elephant Ambassador. Khun Boe will be a spokesperson for the Thai elephant, helping to raise awareness of the plight of the Asian elephant. [Read more]
———— Chang Yim's Birthday ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on October 13, 2011
July 12th was Chang Yim's second birthday. He is growing up handsome and confident, already such a little male! Both he and Faa Mai are going through the elephant version of the 'terrible twos' making them a bit more naughty and rebellious than normal. [Read more]
———— Malai Tong & Sri Prae ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on October 12, 2011
With the rainy season comes much mud and standing water. This often causes infections in the injured feet of our landmine victims, Malai Tong and Sri Prae. Because of their old injuries, it is easy for dirt and debris to get caught in the cracks and crevices, creating discomfort. [Read more]
———— Volunteers Make a Difference in the Lives of Those They Help ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on October 12, 2011
ENF volunteers do so much around the Park to help the elephants. Whether it is planting trees, scooping dung, mending fences or translating a Park brochure into their native language, all projects help the Thai elephant in the end. [Read more]
———— CNNGo.com Names ENF One of the Best Voluntourism Vacations ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on October 12, 2011
On August 1st CNNGO gave 15 suggestions for the best 'voluntourism' trips for animal lovers, the first being washing elephants in Thailand at our very own Elephant Nature Park! [Read more]
———— Green Forest Day at Elephant Nature Park ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on October 12, 2011
October 6th is Lek's birthday. We celebrate her birthday here at Elephant Nature Park by planting trees, LOTS of them! In fact, Lek's birthday has come to be known as "Green Forest Day." [Read more]
———— Mae Sai Roong Passes On After a Brief Stay at the Park ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on October 12, 2011
Mae Sai Roong was not very old - our guess was that she was around 50 - but she had suffered much abuse and wear and tear during her working life, making her much older than her years. The times that she enjoyed the most during her stay at the Park were when she was in the river or having a mud bath. May her spirit shine in every rainbow that graces the sky. [Read more]
———— Continuing Education Brings New Ideas ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on October 12, 2011
Karl Cullen has been involved with Elephant Nature Park for most of the last eight years. To further his training, ENF sent Karl to visit Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and the Oakland Zoo (both in California, USA) to observe their methods and variations on target training and foot care. [Read more]
———— Davey Lamont: Elephant Cycle 2011 Update ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on October 4, 2011
Davey Lamont finished his inspiring Elephant Cycle Tour on August 20, raising awareness and much-needed funds for the elephants. He's incredibly close to his goal now - why not visit his JustGiving page and help push him over the top? [Read more]
———— Volunteers Help Clean Up Village After Flash Flooding ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on October 4, 2011
Northern Thailand recently experienced heavy amounts of rain and subsequent flooding in many areas. One village in particular, Muang Kai (18km from Elephant Nature Park), felt the full force of destruction during the flash flooding. [Read more]
———— ENF Welcomes World-Renowned Elephant Vets ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on September 27, 2011
Dr. Susan Mikota and Dr. Khyne U Mar paid a visit to Elephant Nature Park after attending an elephant conference that was held in Bangkok. It was an honor to get to meet these two great veterinarians who have dedicated so many years of their lives to elephant welfare and research. [Read more]
———— Thai Koon Steel Continues to Support ENF ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on September 27, 2011
Once again Thai Koon Steel has given a generous donation to help care for the elephants of Elephant Nature Park: 60 tons of steel which will be used to build elephant shelters and 357,940 baht which will go towards the expansion of our elephant hospital. [Read more]
———— Sao Yai ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on September 27, 2011
Despite being a working girl before her arrival, Sao Yai has a strong sense of play and is often seen on her own, having a good roll and splash in a mud pit or caught in a moment of joy playing with a tire, squeaking and trumpeting happily. [Read more]
———— Mae Tee ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on September 27, 2011
Mae Tee began her retirement at Elephant Nature Park two years ago this past June. She was immediately befriended by Mae Kham Geao and the pair have been inseparable ever since. [Read more]
———— Kwanjai Update ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on September 27, 2011
Kwanjai has made great progress in her healing and mobility and now has a paddock close to the feeding platform which she shares with Mae Keow. [Read more]
———— JTF welcomes a young female to the project ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on September 27, 2011
The Karen villagers from our Journey to Freedom Project in Mae Satop and Mae Joom Sam heard that a four year old female elephant was being put through the Phajaan in a nearby village and they went to investigate. [Read more]
———— Karl Cullen's "Elephant Dreams" Now Available ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on July 19, 2011
The second edition of the children's book Elephant Dreams, featuring 30 charming illustrations, is now available for sale in the Ele Store. The book follows the story of two young orphan elephants, Hope and Ging Mai, and the exciting adventure they embark upon together in the jungle. [Read more]
———— Elephant Art Auction: July 2011 ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on July 16, 2011
This month's art auction is a contemporary drawing of Tong Suk ("Jungle Boy"). It was done by Jodi Thomas using Indian ink with an acrylic gold wash background and is framed with black card. [Read more]
———— New Auction: Photographs on Canvas, Signed by Lek ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on July 16, 2011
We have something special up for auction this month: two original photographs mounted on canvas. Both photos were taken by ENF founder Sangduen "Lek" Chailert, and Lek has signed each canvas! [Read more]
———— New Lek Chailert Photo Available For Auction ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on July 16, 2011
This month awe have another black and white photograph taken by the founder of Elephant Nature Park, Sangduen "Lek" Chailert, are up for auction. In the past, photos offered in our newsletters have usually sold out quickly, so don't delay! [Read more]
———— Friends in Australia Fundraising for Elephants ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on June 29, 2011
Past volunteers Matt Rousu and Chantelle Ridley are hoping to raise awareness and £10,000 for Elephant Nature Park! Their "Elephant in the Room" fundraising exhibition of Matt's photos was hugely successful, but they still need your help! [Read more]
———— 11-Year-Old Throws Pool Party to Raise Funds for the Elephants ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on June 24, 2011
Meet Meg Cupples, a truly spectacular 11-year-old girl out to make a difference in the world. In April, Meg emailed Lek asking what she could do to help the elephants. In her own words, Meg describes what happened next... [Read more]
———— Tilly Has Chosen Her New Best Friend ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on June 13, 2011
Tilly and Mae Kham Puan love to play in the river. Before the 1:00 p.m. bathing time the girls usually head to the river for their own personal play time: It seems for both of these gals that having a new best friend has made all of their daily activities more fun and exciting. [Read more]
———— Feeding Platform's New Second Level Offers Panoramic View ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on June 13, 2011
Finally nearing completion, the second level of the feeding platform will be a lovely place to enjoy your meals with an excellent elephant view. [Read more]
———— Target Training - Going Strong ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on June 13, 2011
Our new target training program which was introduced by visiting elephant behaviorist Carol Buckley has continued to move forward and a training wall has been built. The elephant walks up to the training wall of its own free will to take part in the training sessions and can decide to leave at any time. [Read more]
———— English Classes in Session Once Again ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on June 13, 2011
We now have a full-time volunteer English teacher who is staying at Elephant Nature Park for one year. Fiona Gourlay has spent most of her life volunteering and teaching ESL in many places around the world. She came to the Park for a day visit and decided to offer her services teaching English to Park staff. [Read more]
———— The Latest Elephant Gossip ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on June 13, 2011
The elephants have been busy as of late enjoying their new "Elephant Stonehenge" and an early rainy season, not to mention Ahsii is finally at the end of his musth. [Read more]
———— Pre-teen "Bad Boys" Excel Doing the "Shelter Shake" ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on June 13, 2011
Both Hope and Tong Suk seem to think that they have a new job in the Park as quality control inspectors and are helpfully letting us know that there are major design flaws in their shelters and that they are indeed not "bull-proof." [Read more]
———— Elephant Gossip: Mae Keow and Kwanjai ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on June 13, 2011
Mae Keow is still in the process of adjusting to Lily's absence. She sometimes seeks the company of other elephants, as she has been seen recently with new arrival Kwanjai. This developing friendship could be good for both of them. [Read more]
———— Yet Another Ele Welcomed into the Herd With Much Celebration ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on June 13, 2011
Mae Sao Yai arrived just before lunch on Thursday June 2nd. She had been working at a trekking camp down the road for a number of years. We have known Sao Yai since 1997. Recently we received word that Sao Yai's owner was looking to let her go due to financial troubles and Lek jumped at the chance to buy her. [Read more]
———— Welcome Mae Sai Roong - Another New Arrival! ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on June 13, 2011
On the eve of May 3rd, a group of excited volunteers escorted the i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-y slow new arrival Mae Sai Roong, through the front entrance of Elephant Nature Park after a three-hour long walk from not very far away. [Read more]
———— Dtam Hua at Muang Gudt ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on June 13, 2011
Lek, accompanied by volunteers and staff members made the yearly visit to Wat Muang Gudt for the Dtam Hua ceremony. The purpose of Dtam Hua is to pay respects and give thanks to all of the elders in the village and thank them for their knowledge and guidance and to apologize if we have disrespected them in any way. [Read more]
———— Songkran - A Time of Merriment and Sorrow for the Park ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on June 13, 2011
Songkran, the Buddhist New Year, is April 15th and THE biggest Thai holiday, similar to Christmas in western countries. It is a time for celebration and reflection. At Elephant Nature Park this time of year has had a great significance for many reasons, both happy and sad. [Read more]
———— Bert Von Roemer and Family of Serengeti Foundation Visit Park ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on June 13, 2011
The Serengeti Foundation contributed the funds needed to purchase the land where we reside today. The rest is history - the herd continues to grow and flourish. They have been there beside us every step of the way providing financial and moral support when it is needed the most. [Read more]
———— Friend of the Park Cycles for the Elephants! ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on May 19, 2011
This summer, Davey Lamont is doing a cycle tour of the Scottish Western Isles to raise both awareness and much-needed funds for Elephant Nature Foundation. His 2-week tour will cover 340 miles and concludes with an ascent of Ben Nevis - the tallest mountain in the British Isles! [Read more]
———— Songkran Holiday Ends Sadly with the Sudden Passing of Lily ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on April 17, 2011
We at Elephant Nature Park are very sad to share that dear Lily has passed away. Lily was the second elephant Lek rescued. She has touched many lives and was the favorite elephant of many volunteers and repeat visitors. She was always kind and gentle with people. [Read more]
———— ENP is saddened to learn about the sudden passing of Tong Tae ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on April 9, 2011
Many of you will remember Tong Tae, who came to stay at Elephant Nature Park with his mother Mae Tong Dee when he was only 10 days old, in mid May 2008. One of his owners contacted the park to see if mother and baby could come to stay with us because Tong Tae was the 5th calf Mae Tong Dee had given birth to and she was around 50 years old. He wanted to make sure that both of them would be healthy and stress free. Lek requested that the owners agreed to keep Tong Tae and Mae Tong Dee at ENP for at least one year. [Read more]
———— The Banyan Tree Gallery ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on April 9, 2011
It's almost here....the Elephant Nature Foundation's collaboration with Banyan Tree! If you are in Bangkok from 22nd of April-8th of May this is a must-see! Banyan Tree will be exhibiting a gallery of Lek's photographic work that features some of our favourite Ele's from ENP!!! The net profits from the sales of the photographs will be donated to the Foundation along with a percentage of the unique elephant related souvenirs that Banyan Tree currently have on offer! [Read more]
———— Elephant Art Auction: April 2011 ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on April 2, 2011
This month's art auction is a pencil drawing done by Tegan Carter, a freelance illustrator from Australia. Tegan was recently a volunteer at Elephant Nature Park and was inspired to draw this wonderful picture of a mother and baby elephant. The drawing measures 44 cm (17.3inches) x 25 cm (9.8 inches) and has been framed with black card. [Read more]
———— Other Original Ele-Artwork Up for Auction ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on April 2, 2011
This month we also have two other works of ele-art up for auction: a drawing in India ink by longtime Park resident Jodi Thomas, and a photograph by Park founder Lek Chailert mounted on canvas. [Read more]
———— Aerial Photographic Shoot of the Park ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 31, 2011
On the March 31st 2011 Adam Oswell and Mark Silverberg from Wildlife 1 visited Elephant Nature Park to conduct an aerial photographic shoot. The shoot occurred early in the morning as Mark and Adam took to the air in a paramotor, getting a unique point of view of the sanctuary and its surrounds. [Read more]
———— Cookies for Elephants - A Delicious Fundraiser! ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 31, 2011
We'd like to send a huge trunkful of thanks to Sarah and Michael in Canada for their successful fundraiser on behalf of the Park! And to learn more about their delicious fundraiser, be sure to read Sarah's inspirational personal account below. [Read more]
———— New "Elephant Playground" Fun for Young and Old! ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 28, 2011
Still a work in progress, we have created a few things for the elephants to play with close to the observation deck and they seem to be a great success! [Read more]
———— The Arrival of the Hot Season Means Mud Pit Time! ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 28, 2011
Each year in January one of the most fun and rewarding (if not the dirtiest) job for the volunteers is maintaining the mud pit so that the elephants can have a splash or a wallow whenever they so desire. The mud pit seems to bring out the "calf" in everyone, elephants young and old roll about with wild abandon, surrendering to the bliss. [Read more]
———— Wedding Bells at the Park - Two Mahouts Get Married ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 28, 2011
Congratulations to Mii and Pim as well as Saw Tousay and Naw Wei Por! Mii has been working at Elephant Nature Park for more than three years now, and was married on January 20th at home. And Saw Tousay has been working at the Park for just over two years, and was married at the Park on February 18th. [Read more]
———— There's a New Girl in Town! ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 28, 2011
In the early evening on March 6th a female elephant in her mid-thirties walked from a nearby trekking camp to Elephant Nature Park, escorted by two of our mahouts and some of our volunteers. Her name will be Tilly and she was rescued with funds donated by Bob Barker from the USA. [Read more]
———— New Irrigation System Installed ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 28, 2011
Thanks to many kind donors we now have 7,000 meters of irrigation pipe buried throughout Elephant Nature Park land and a high-powered 100 hp pump which pulls the water from the river and sends it to our fields. With this new watering system we can keep our fields green all year round. [Read more]
———— New Elephant Rescue Vehicle Ready for Action! ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 28, 2011
A huge thank you to the kind and generous American Bob Barker! Perhaps best known as the popular television game show host from The Price is Right, Mr. Barker has become one of our newest guardian angels. He donated the funds to buy our new heavy duty elephant rescue truck! [Read more]
———— The Power of One Brings in the New Year ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 28, 2011
This year the Power of One group was bigger than ever with more than 60 participants who were comprised of Thais, Americans, Canadians, and South Africans. During their week here they got a lot of work accomplished and had fun doing it! [Read more]
———— Elephant Gossip ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 22, 2011
Ashii has gained some weight while Mae Lanna's love for him grows, Malai Tong performs her much-needed duties as a "therapy elephant," Mae Kham Puan and Dani continue to bond, and much much more in this latest edition of elephant gossip! [Read more]
———— Mae Keow and Lily - Learning to be More Social ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 22, 2011
Even older elephants can turn over a new leaf and start afresh, changing their ways. We are seeing this in action right now with Mae Keow and Lily. They didn't care about not having other friends for a long time, but times have changed and now the girls are looking to gain alliances, not make enemies. [Read more]
———— An Elephantine Example of Love and Loyalty ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 22, 2011
Mae Tee is coming up on her two year anniversary of living at Elephant Nature Park in mid-June. Mae Kham Geao just passed her two year anniversary back in October. Since Mae Tee's arrival the pair has been inseparable and is quite exclusive, accepting the occasional visitor, but not interested in a third full-time friend. [Read more]
———— Elderly Elephant Nutrition Update ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 22, 2011
After the arrival of Kwan Jai, who didn't seem to be digesting anything that she ate, and the sad passing of Mae Somboon due to an intestinal blockage, we were desperately seeking to remedy our older elephant's digestive problems. After consulting with various vets and people who worked with elephants, we realized that a wood chipper could be the answer to our problems. [Read more]
———— New Elephant Shelters Finally Finished! ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 22, 2011
We're always trying to find a way to make the nighttime more comfortable for the elephants. And so we're very happy to announce the completion of our new elephant shelters! [Read more]
———— Elephant Art Auction: January 2011 ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on January 12, 2011
The art auction this time around is an original pencil drawing is of Mae Boon Chu and her baby boy, Tong Kham, who stayed for a while at Elephant Nature Park. The drawing shows Tong Kham, who was about 5 months at the time and very inquisitive, with his mother standing behind munching on grass. [Read more]
———— New Lek Chailert Photos Available For Auction ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on January 12, 2011
This month a couple of black and white photographs and one color photograph taken by Lek Chailert are up for auction. The photos offered in our last newsletter were snapped up quickly, so don't delay! [Read more]
———— A Nine Year Old on a Mission Can't be Stopped! ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on January 8, 2011
When you first meet him, Jack Chapman Lanting seems like any other 9 year old boy. He loves to eat McDonalds, he plays with trucks in sand piles, he races motocross, he makes farting sounds with his armpit. BUT besides all these normal things, he has also done something quite special that makes him very different: he raised the funds to rescue an elephant! [Read more]
———— Hope is Knighted - Now Officially SIR Hope! ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on January 5, 2011
On the 6th of November, 2010 here in the Mae Taeng district of Chiang Mai in the Kingdom of Thailand: Brian Hoyt, Lord of the Manor of Clapham Bayeux, knighted one male pachyderm named Hope. [Read more]
———— ENP Donates Products to Take Elephant Home Foundation ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on January 5, 2011
Elephant Nature Park donated 150,000 Thai Baht worth of merchandise to the Take Elephant Home Foundation in Surin. All of the proceeds from the sale of the items will go to support the TEH Foundation. [Read more]
———— Mae Somboon Passes Away ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on January 3, 2011
Sadly, we said goodbye to Mae Somboon, who passed away at approximately 12:00 midnight on December 22nd. Somboon died because of an intestinal blockage resulting from her inability to masticate her food properly. She was approximately 55 years old. We will miss her tremendously. [Read more]
———— Foster an Elephant for the New Year! ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on January 1, 2011
Looking for that perfect gift this holiday season? Why not foster an elephant at Elephant Nature Park? [Read more]
———— 2011 Elephant Nature Park Desk Calendar ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on December 15, 2010
Supplies of Elephant Nature Park's 2011 desk calendar are running low in the Ele Store, so be sure to act quickly to get one before they're all gone! The beautiful photographs featured in the calendar were taken by Sangduen "Lek" Chailert, founder of Elephant Nature Park. This year's calendar includes details about two new projects: the Surin Project and Journey to Freedom, both of which were initiated by Elephant Nature Park to improve the lives of elephants in Thailand. [Read more]
———— Ele Gossip ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on December 13, 2010
In the latest ele gossip we learn that Mae Jampaa and her two best girlfriends Mintra and Mae Dta Keow are happier than ever, Chang Yim has a new to him (but familiar to us!) mahout, Hope and Faa Sai are up to a bit of mischief, and Malai Tong isn't feeling quite herself lately. [Read more]
———— 'Tis the season for elephant rescues! ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on December 13, 2010
There are two more elephant additions to the herd at Elephant Nature Park: Dani and Mae Kham Puan! [Read more]
———— Foot Care and Target Training Expert Carol Buckley Teaches ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on December 7, 2010
Elephant behaviorist Carol Buckley (co-founder of The Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee) is staying at Elephant Nature Park for a month teaching mahouts foot care and target training. [Read more]
———— Ahsii Update ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on December 2, 2010
The more he wandered around, the more confident Ahsii seemed to feel. Before arriving at the Park he probably had spent most of his life either chained or working, so roaming freely was a new and exciting experience for Ahsii. [Read more]
———— Tong Tae: Crippled Young Tusker in Surin Passes Away ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on December 2, 2010
Over the past few years, volunteers at ENF's Surin Project occasionally caught a glimpse of this sad elephant, a juxtaposition of tragedy and majesty with his crippled legs and impressive tusks. The volunteers returned to the Park with pictures and haunting memories of Tong Tae. [Read more]
———— Twins Born at Mae Satop! ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on November 25, 2010
Right about the time the last newsletter was reaching your inbox, a very exciting event was occurring at the Mae Chaem project. On October 8th a pregnant female named Kham Moon gave birth to twin baby girls, about an hour apart, in the jungle mountains outside of Baan Mae Satop. [Read more]
———— Sri Prae Settles in and Finds Friends ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on November 25, 2010
Sri Prae arrived on November 4th from the Buriram province. She had been staying at Bring the Elephant Home's Elephant Island Project for the past 1.5 years. Due to torrential rains and major flooding in that area this season, it seemed best to bring Sri Prae to stay at the Park. [Read more]
———— Mae Geao's Amazing Recovery ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on November 25, 2010
Mae Geao is one of our oldest females in the Park, being somewhere between 65-75 years old. At the end of December she will have been here for four years. The past 11 months have most likely been the happiest months that she has had in her life. But, how long can an elephant go without pooping? [Read more]
———— Elephant Art Auction: October 2010 ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on October 4, 2010
The art for auction this time around is a portrait of the newest park resident: Ahsii, a 50-year-old bull who joined us in late July. The piece is done in watercolor/watercolor pencil on watercolor paper and measures approximately 27.5cm x 34cm. [Read more]
———— New Lek Chailert Photos Available For Auction ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on October 4, 2010
This month a couple of black and white photographs and one color photograph taken by Lek Chailert are up for auction. The photos offered in our last newsletter were snapped up quickly, so don't delay! [Read more]
———— 2011 Elephant Nature Park Desk Calendar ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on October 4, 2010
Elephant Nature Park's 2011 desk calendar is now available in the Ele Store. The beautiful photographs featured in the calendar were taken by Sangduen "Lek" Chailert, founder of Elephant Nature Park. This year's calendar includes details about two new projects: the Surin Project and Journey to Freedom, both of which were initiated by Elephant Nature Park to improve the lives of elephants in Thailand. [Read more]
———— Art Classes Offered to Park Staff ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on September 19, 2010
In order to show appreciation for her staff's hard work, and to help teach them skills they can use to supplement their income, Lek has hired professional artists to come and teach screen printing, tye-dye, and batik to any workers interested in learning these skills. [Read more]
———— Water Buffalo Amporn Becomes a Mom ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on September 19, 2010
New baby water buffaloes are being born all the time (despite the claims that the males were castrated), so we don't mention each new birth. We can hardly keep up! But recently there was a new baby water buffalo born that will have a bit of special meaning for many of our past volunteers. [Read more]
———— New Construction at the Park ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on September 19, 2010
Anyone who has a trip planned to return to the Park in the next few months is going to be greatly surprised by all of the changes that have occurred. Right now we are in the process of rebuilding the feeding platform with a new design and lots of work has been done modifying the river bank too. [Read more]
———— Ele Gossip - Hanging with the Girls ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on September 18, 2010
The girls have been busy as of late, making new friends and socializing with old ones too. Tong Jan's growing up to be quite the auntie, while Mae Kham Paan and Mae Tee recently celebrated their one year anniversary at the Park. And we're all still wondering if and when Malai Tong will have her baby! [Read more]
———— Ele Gossip - Hanging with the Boys ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on September 18, 2010
Our new bull, Ahsii, has been a big hit with the ladies, particularly Mae Lanna. Meanwhile, Hope and Tong Suk continue to figure out which of them will come out on top. Hopefully Ahsii's presence will settle both Hope and Tong Suk down a bit as both boys were getting a bit overconfident for a while! [Read more]
———— Journeys to Freedom ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on September 16, 2010
The first two Journeys to Freedom are behind us and three elephants are happy to be roaming the jungle mountains surrounding Baan Mae Satop. Thanks to all who participated and helped support the Mae Satop Journey to Freedom project! May many more elephants come home to stay in the future. [Read more]
———— Surin Project Launches New Website! ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on September 15, 2010
Over the past year, the Surin project has been helping local mahouts provide better living conditions for seven elephants in Surin. Volunteers have been building shelters, planting grass and bamboo, and getting the elephants off their chains every day. Check out our new website to learn more! [Read more]
———— There's a New Bull in Town! ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on September 13, 2010
The beginning of August welcomed a much-needed addition to the Elephant Nature Park herd: an adult bull approximately 50 years old with one short tusk. Upon arrival he was given a new name to celebrate the beginning of his retirement, that name being Ahsii. [Read more]
———— Recent Visits by VIP Guests ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on September 8, 2010
Yani Gellman (actor from The Young and the Restless soap opera) and Carol Buckley (co-founder of the Elephant Sanctuary in Hohenwald, Tennessee) are but two of our most recent VIP visitors at Elephant Nature Park! [Read more]
———— Park Mahouts Participate in Government-Sponsored Training ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on September 8, 2010
Thirteen mahouts from Elephant Nature Park, plus four mahouts from the Mae Chaem project, took part in two month-long training courses that were sponsored by the Thai government. The intensive course covered many aspects of elephant management that are necessary for mahouts to safely and efficiently work with elephants. [Read more]
———— Thai Koon Steel - A Park Guardian Angel ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on September 8, 2010
Thai Koon Steel made yet another incredibly generous donation, this time giving 556,900 Baht and 22 tons of steel pipe which will be used to build a state-of-the-art shelter for bulls in musth. Kind and generous donors like Thai Koon Steel are integral to the Park and improve our ability to give the elephants the quality of care that they deserve. [Read more]
———— New Gift Shop Open for Business! ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on September 8, 2010
August and September are when the rains are at their heaviest and the visitor numbers are at their lowest. This makes it a great time to tackle remodeling projects at Elephant Nature Park: the new and improved gift shop was just completed and is now open for business! [Read more]
———— Chang Yim, Dok Ngern's Tiny Terror, Celebrates 1st Birthday ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on September 8, 2010
Chang Yim, the youngest and most mischievous elephant residing at Elephant Nature Park, turned one years old in early July! [Read more]
———— More Trees Planted to Create Future Ele-Habitat ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on September 8, 2010
Once again Antoinette van de Water and Bring the Elephant Home did an amazing job organizing two separate tree planting events in July resulting in a grand total of 6,000 trees being planted at the New Haven and Elephant Nature Park. Thank you to everyone who participated! [Read more]
———— Bring the Elephant Home Hosts Second Bike for Elephants ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on September 8, 2010
Join the charity bike ride for the survival of Thai elephants! Find out how you can bike for elephants through the Mae Taeng valley in northern Thailand all while helping to raise funds and raise awareness for Asian elephants. [Read more]
———— London's Elephant Parade Massive Success ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on September 2, 2010
The Elephant Parade in London, organized by Elephant Family, was a massive success raising over £4 million for Asian Elephants. Our elephant, "I Miss the Forest," auctioned for £25,000! Thanks to our design and artist our elephant smashed all expectations, and she was the second highest elephant sold that represented a charity partner and she also beat many well-known artists. [Read more]
———— Running for Eles at London's Half-Marathon ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on August 22, 2010
Help support Roger Mann, one of the founders of Elephant Nature Foundation UK, as he runs for both Elephant Family and Elephant Nature Foundation in the London Half-Marathon on October 10th! [Read more]
———— The Elephant Song by Elena Marco Oliver ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on July 28, 2010
Previous Park visitor, Elena Marco Oliver, was so inspired by her time with the elephants last summer that she's written a song for the Park. Read below to see the lyrics from this beautiful song, or follow the link to hear Elena sing her song for the elephants. [Read more]
———— Saying Goodbye to Beloved Park Dog Belly ————
Posted by Jessica McHugh on June 14, 2010
Belly was the first dog to be adopted from Elephant Nature Park. He was brought home to the United States by his Mommy and Daddy in late 2006, where he lived a very full and very silly life with them in America, until his recent passing in May 2010. [Read more]
———— Elephant Art Auction: June 2010 ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on June 12, 2010
This month's art for auction is by Genevieve Santos, and is titled "Elephant's Embrace." Inspired by Genevieve's experiences at Elephant Nature Park as a one-week volunteer, the painting ("Elephant's Embrace") depicts Lek as a little girl happily surrounded by her elephants. [Read more]
———— New Lek Chailert Photos Available For Auction ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on June 12, 2010
This month two more black and white photographs taken by Lek Chailert are up for auction. The photos offered in our last newsletter were snapped up quickly, so don't delay! [Read more]
———— Volunteers Needed for Surin Project ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on June 6, 2010
If you are coming to volunteer at Elephant Nature Park for two weeks, it might be interesting for you to spend the second week in Surin and get a real idea of the problems that are facing Asian elephants in Thailand. This project can really make a difference to the lives of hundreds of elephants. We need your help! [Read more]
———— Journey to Freedom ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on June 3, 2010
Join us for an exciting adventure as we travel on foot, walking alongside elephants who are returning home to live in the jungles surrounding their villages. [Read more]
———— London Elephants on Parade: Fundraiser and Awareness Raising ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on June 2, 2010
Elephant Families has been hosting a spectacular parade of 250 model elephants throughout the streets and parks of London for the past month. This is an unprecedented event that has brought massive media exposure and has helped to raise public awareness. [Read more]
———— Two Marathon Runners Bring Great Success for Park ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on May 30, 2010
Recently the work of Elephant Nature Park has inspired two of our friends across the globe to run marathons on behalf of the eles! Please join us in thanking Mark and Jen for their tremendous efforts! [Read more]
———— Park Dog Yubaba Finds New Home in Canada ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on May 25, 2010
A recent volunteer named Patty fell in love with Yubaba, a beautiful female dog who was having a bit of trouble fitting in at the Park. Patty decided to adopt her and give her a new home and life in Canada, and Yubaba is settling in well. [Read more]
———— Surin Project Changing and Moving Forward ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on May 13, 2010
The Elephant Nature Foundation Surin Project is happy to welcome Alex Godfrey on board as the new Project Manager to replace Jeff Smith. We would like to thank Jeff Smith for his hard work helping to get the Surin project started. [Read more]
———— The Latest and Greatest Ele-Gossip ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on May 13, 2010
Our elephants have been very busy lately! Whether it's playing with one another in the river, gaining weight and getting healthy, or cuddling with Lek during lullaby time, everyone has been doing pretty nicely at the Park. [Read more]
———— Karen Elephants Go Home ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on May 13, 2010
As much as we would like to, we can't save or accommodate every elephant out there who needs to be able to take some time off from work or who needs to be rescued. To remedy this problem a project that has been years in the making is finally getting off the ground in a small Karen hilltribe village in Mae Chaem. [Read more]
———— Beautiful New Mud Brick Accomodations ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on May 10, 2010
Though bamboo has a more tropical Thai look, it is depleting the forests. (Remember: bamboo is elephant food in the wild!) And huts built with the bamboo and coconut wood usually only have a three to five year life span. But a mud brick hut is very solid, sturdy, and economical to build. [Read more]
———— First of Permanent Elephant Shelters Near Completion ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on May 10, 2010
Thanks to funds donated by Bert Von Roemer of The Serengeti Foundation, located in the US, and some steel donated by Thai Koon Steel, a company from Bangkok, the first of our permanent elephant shelters are well underway and nearing completion! [Read more]
———— News from the Surin Project ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on May 10, 2010
It was an exciting week in Surin with plenty of project work to be done, the arrival of two month old ImBoon and her mother from Hua Hin, and the birth of another little girl whose name had yet to be chosen by the monks. [Read more]
———— Tong Daeng Leaves After 1.5 Years of Fun ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on May 6, 2010
During his stay at the Park, Tong Daeng became a healthy, more well adjusted, socially confident elephant. He is not an ideal elephant for the working world, but hopefully he will end up living in the jungles that surround his Karen hilltribe owner's village. [Read more]
———— Eight Years with Hope ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on May 6, 2010
It seems like it was only yesterday when Hope was just a bit taller than us humans, and now he is almost as tall as the tallest female elephant in the Park. It has been pure delight to witness Hope's growth process which is noticeable on an almost daily basis. [Read more]
———— "Nurse" Tong Jan Gives Auntie Mae Somboon Some Relief ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on May 6, 2010
Coprophagy- eating the dung of others of your species - is an act that is very natural for elephants and important for healthy digestive function. Elephants are not born with the microbes necessary to digest cellulose and the only way they can attain these microbes is by eating the dung of others, most often their mothers or another older elephant. [Read more]
———— Lek and Volunteers Visit Muang Gudt on Songkran ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on May 6, 2010
A very important ritual of the Songkran Festival is called "dam hua" to pay respect to the elderly. This year on April 15th Lek and the volunteers went to Muang Gudt, our neighbor village across the river to pay respects and give out gift baskets to everyone over 65 years of age. [Read more]
———— Faa Mai's First Birthday ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on May 5, 2010
Faa Mai has grown in to a sweet and well-mannered little lady. Her birthday was a day filled with fun, family and adventure just like any other, but this day also involved a special custom baby elephant birthday cake! [Read more]
———— Saying Goodbye to Jaem Jan ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 29, 2010
Jaem Jan passed away at approximately 7:30 a.m. on March 25, 2010. Bless her beautiful soul. It is very sad to lose an elephant, but Jaem Jan was ready for her suffering to be over, so her passing is not what is sad, but the enormity of the cruelty that she had to experience in her short life is what is so devastating. [Read more]
———— Elephant Art Auction: March 2010 ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 10, 2010
This month's art for auction is a batik painting on silk by park visitor and donor Silke Preussker. Silke has been making visits to Elephant Nature Park for over two and a half years and was instrumental in getting the young Rara here, who sadly passed away suddenly at the beginning of this year. [Read more]
———— Little Faa Mai Has Joined the Foster Program! ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 10, 2010
We keep our Foster An Elephant program small (only 5 elephants) so as to keep it super manageable. And baby Faa Mai is a very special addition because she is taking up the reins of another elephant who used to be in the program, a beloved ele named Max. Max passed away last year which was a tremendous loss for us. But one way in which it was made a bit easier was that a baby elephant was born the very same day he passed away. That ele, of course, was Faa Mai. [Read more]
———— Lek Chailert Offers Photos For Auction ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 10, 2010
This month two black and white photographs taken by Lek Chailert are up for auction. Also, the 2010 Elephant Nature Park calendar has almost sold out now, but there are still a few copies available for sale in the Ele Store! [Read more]
———— Update on Mae Jampaa ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 8, 2010
Mae Jampaa has settled into her new friends, new life, and her new routine at Elephant Nature Park. She has become firm friends with the lively Mintra and her constant companion Mae Dta Keow and the trio are working out just fine. [Read more]
———— Khum Min: A Tragic Loss ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 6, 2010
Khum Min had been with us since June of 2003. He was a regular visitor to Elephant Haven and enjoyed his time roaming freely in the jungle. His death is a great tragedy. Thankfully he left a legacy in the form of little Faa Mai, as we are quite sure that Khum Min is her father. [Read more]
———— Mae Jan Peng Arrives at the Park to Begin Her Retirement ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 6, 2010
On Friday January 8th, Mae Jan Peng arrived at Elephant Nature Park to start her much-deserved retirement. She is easily 70 years old. She worked as a logging elephant until the early 1990's and then began a career in trekking. [Read more]
———— Ratree Update ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 6, 2010
Ratree, whose arrival story was featured in our last newsletter, has now been at Elephant Nature Park for just over three months. She is still in the process of settling in and we are still in the process of learning the extent of the damage that has been inflicted on her from past abuse. [Read more]
———— First Annual "Bike for Elephants" a Great Success! ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 6, 2010
On the afternoon of February 6th, a group of 50 bicyclists arrived at Elephant Nature Park. A stopover at the Park was part of the two-day bicycling fundraiser coordinated by Antoinette Van De Water and her Bring the Elephant Home team, which raised a spectacular 250,000 Thai Baht. [Read more]
———— An Update on Chang Yim, Faa Mai, and Tong Jaan ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 6, 2010
Chang Yim, Faa Mai, and the rest of their family are spending a lot less time in the shelter than before as the babies need less nap time and demand more time for exploration and fun! [Read more]
———— Mae Geao and Jarunee Become More Socially Confident ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 6, 2010
Mae Geao and Mae Jarunee, who used to stay at a shelter up in the front corner of the Park, were moved to the Tong Tae family shelter. This move has had a very positive change in their quality of life. It makes us very happy to see these two formerly shy and withdrawn females come out of their shells and start to feel more confident in social situations. [Read more]
———— Hope and Tong Suk: Park Casanovas ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 6, 2010
Well it is now official - Hope and Tong Suk are the "big men on campus" for the time being with no older males to school them or put them in their place. [Read more]
———— Faa Sai: Growing Up and Focusing More on Males ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 6, 2010
It was not surprising to observe that her interest in the males was growing, but when her flirting became more persistent it seemed that there might be something more than just "young elephant fun" going on! For two days there was only one thing on Faa Sai's mind - BOYS! [Read more]
———— Mintra One Year Anniversary, Nominated Head of Ele-Relations ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 4, 2010
Mid-February 2010 was Mintra's one year anniversary of life at Elephant Nature Park, and what a year it has been for her! Mintra is one of the most socially outgoing elephants you could ever meet. [Read more]
———— Happy 6 Year Anniversary, Mae Dta Keow! ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 4, 2010
At the end of January, Mae Dta Keow had her 6th anniversary of life at Elephant Nature Park. She has transformed from a very shy and troubled elephant who had problems bonding with others to a female who enjoys her girlfriends and isn't afraid to express herself. [Read more]
———— Elephant Gossip: Mae Tong Dee, Tong Tae, and Sri Nuan ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on March 3, 2010
On December 9th 2009 at around 5:45pm, Mae Tong Dee and Tong Tae's 1.5 year maternity leave ended. They greatly benefited from their time here at the Park, and our permanent resident females who became aunties to Tong Tae and friends of Mae Tong Dee benefited as well. [Read more]
———— We Welcome the Arrival of Jampaa! ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on February 28, 2010
December 22nd heralded the arrival of yet another new elephant at the Park. Her name is Jampaa, which means magnolia, and at 48 years old she is lucky to be starting an early retirement, thanks to a caring owner. [Read more]
———— Rara's Official Report: Summary of Autopsy ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on February 27, 2010
Rara's death came as a complete shock to all of us, and we are still reeling from her sudden passing. We all want to understand why Rara died so suddenly. Tissue samples were taken for necropsy for various tests, the results which are explained in this article. [Read more]
———— Khum Min's Passing ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on February 22, 2010
We were hoping that we would be able to give you an update that would have news that Khum Min was getting better, so we had waited for him to be back at home for a little while before we sent out an update. Sadly on the eve of writing this, Khum Min passed away. [Read more]
———— Rara's Passing ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on February 22, 2010
Sadly the new year of 2010 has brought with it a horrible tragedy. Lovely young Rara, who only arrived on October 2nd died suddenly on the morning of January 6th. We at Elephant Nature Park are still in shock and can't believe that Rara is gone. [Read more]
———— KBS Comes to Elephant Nature Park ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on February 15, 2010
On February 9th, 2010, a television news team from KBS (Korean Broadcasting Company), one of South Korea's top news sources, visited Elephant Nature Park to do a news feature. [Read more]
———— New Surin Project Dates! ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on February 11, 2010
The next three trips will then leave on the following Mondays: March 15th, April 5th, and April 19th. [Read more]
———— Mahouts Trip to Pattaya ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on February 9, 2010
On the evening of February 4th, 2010, many of the mahouts and workers from Elephant Nature Park took a 2-day break from their duties and boarded vans headed for Pattaya. [Read more]
———— Mahouts, Park Staff, and their Families Tour Chiang Mai ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on February 7, 2010
On January 27th and 29th, Elephant Nature Foundation brought its mahouts and Park staff on a trip around Chiang Mai. [Read more]
———— Elephant Nature Foundation UK Events ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on February 3, 2010
There are two upcoming events in the UK. Please help us reach our fundraising targets for these events or email ENFUK@ElephantNatureFoundation.org to find out how you can help. Whether you live in the UK or elsewhere, any support is much appreciated! [Read more]
———— The New Year Starts with the Power of One ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on February 2, 2010
For the fourth year in a row, The Power of One group spent the first week of January volunteering at Elephant Nature Park. This year's group was comprised of a dynamic combination of students and mentors from both Thailand and the USA. [Read more]
———— Park Christmas Party Full of Glamour and Pageantry ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on February 2, 2010
This year's Park Christmas party far surpassed any past events. A big thanks goes out to Lek for putting on this celebration and to all of the staff who helped with preparations. Everyone worked so hard to make this Christmas party the best ever! [Read more]
———— Eager 5th Graders from APIS Volunteer at Park ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on February 2, 2010
From January 25th until January 28th, seventeen fifth graders accompanied by three teachers from American Pacific International School in Chiang Mai joined the volunteer program. [Read more]
———— ISV Group Builds Water Tanks in a Hmong Village ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on January 29, 2010
During the week of January 19-24, 2010, twelve students from ISV (International Student Volunteers) went on a Jumbo Express trip to assist Elephant Nature Park in the construction of water tanks. [Read more]
———— ENP Hosts Fish Conservation Event ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on January 26, 2010
On Saturday January 23rd, 2009 Elephant Nature Park hosted a fish conservation event. Lek has been trying to reduce over-fishing by educating people in local villages about how decrease their environmental impact. [Read more]
———— Planning Your Next Trip to Elephant Nature Park? ————
Posted by Moira and Phil on January 24, 2010
We have just got back from our fifth holiday to Northern Thailand. The sunshine? The friendly people? The delicious food? All good incentives for returning, but the main reason for it surpassing all other holiday destinations is, of course, Elephant Nature Park. [Read more]
———— Power of One Students Plant Trees with ENP ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on January 23, 2010
During the week of January 1st through January 8th, 42 student volunteers from Power of One came to work at Elephant Nature Park. This was the 4th year that Power of One volunteers came to the park. This group consisted of students and teachers from Thailand and others from abroad. [Read more]
———— ENF Celebrates Children's Day at Local School ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on January 22, 2010
On the second Saturday of every January, children throughout Thailand partake in Children's Day festivities. On January 9th, 2010, Elephant Nature Foundation brought 25 volunteers to put on one of these celebrations at Ban Low School in the Mae Taeng District of Chiang Mai. [Read more]
———— International Student Volunteers Update ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on January 22, 2010
From Tuesday the 5th of January though Sunday the 10th, a volunteer group from ISV (International Student Volunteers) joined with the staff from Elephant Nature Park to construct bathrooms for the nearby Lahu Village of Pa Meang. [Read more]
———— Elephant Art Auction: December 2009 ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on December 17, 2009
The artwork featured in this auction is a watercolor with watercolor pencil accent and was created by park resident Jodi Thomas. The painting is called "A Family Affair" and features Dok Ngern, Chang Yim, Faa Mai, Mae Bua Tong and Tong Jan in a tight cluster emerging from the river. The elephants are wet and shiny and the water is alive with movement as the eles move towards the shore [Read more]
———— Another Abused and Damaged Elephant is Rescued ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on December 17, 2009
Some of the injuries and psychological trauma that Ratree has sustained are permanent and she will never be able to recover from them. It does seem that she has the capacity and desire to connect with other elephants, which will be very healing for her. We hope that we can help her to feel that she can trust people once again as well, but all of this remains to be seen. [Read more]
———— The Arrival of RaRa ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on December 17, 2009
RaRa still has a long way to go, and she has many fears to get over. Her confidence needs to grow. All of this will take time. She is quickly becoming a favorite of volunteers and visitors since she seeks out the company of Westerners, whom she feels comfortable with. Hopefully as time passes, RaRa will feel equally comfortable with the other elephants as well and find ele-friends to spend her days with. [Read more]
———— Loy Kratong and the Second Annual Loy Katoy Show at the Park ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on December 17, 2009
Loy Kratong is one of Thailand's most beautiful festivals and is a favorite time of year at Elephant Nature Park. It is Loy Kratong tradition in Chiang Mai to have many beauty contests, so we decided to have our own here at the Park. This year will definitely go down in the Park history books as the most glamorous celebration to date! Last year two of our mahouts and a few of our male volunteers agreed to dress up as ladies for the first annual "Loy Katoy" show. [Read more]
———— Mae Tee Mae and Kham Paan Adjust to Life at the Park ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on December 17, 2009
Mae Tee and Mae Kham Paan are settling in quite well to life at the Park. Mae Kham Paan seems to be getting a little bit more comfortable spending time with Mae Kham Geao and her new friend Mae Tee, but still doesn't join them when they are grazing out in the back field. Mae Kham Paan prefers to stay by herself. Both old ladies are steadily putting on weight, especially Mae Tee! [Read more]
———— Mae Bua Loy's One-Year Anniversary ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on December 15, 2009
A year ago, we welcomed Mae Bua Loy: a lovely, gentle-natured elephant who loves to look after babies, after having her own taken away from her prematurely. Since her arrival she has been a member of the Tong Tae family and thoroughly enjoys her auntie role to the fullest. Despite her deformed back leg, she gets around quite well and keeps up with the rest of her group. [Read more]
———— 2010 Elephant Nature Park Calendar ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on December 14, 2009
The 2010 calendar from Elephant Nature Park is now available for sale at the Park gift shop. The beautiful photographs in the calendar were taken by Lek and feature best friends Jokia and Mae Perm together in the jungle, Tong Daeng and Mae Boon Ma (the white elephant) playing in the river and of course the two new babies, Faa Mai and Chang Yim and their families. [Read more]
———— Tong Daeng and Tong Tae: Soon to Leave the Park ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on December 13, 2009
Tong Daeng has been spending more and more time with Medo and Mae Lanna, especially in the mornings. Medo is still not quite sure what she thinks of him, mostly seeming to be annoyed by his intrusion on her and Mae Lanna's peaceful solitude. Tong Tae has been enjoying life to the fullest, just being a baby elephant and being looked after by his mother Mae Tong Dee and his three adopted aunties. [Read more]
———— Friend of the Park Has Story Published in Newspaper ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on December 12, 2009
Former Park visitor Kristi Koruna writes: "I visited the park in June 2009 and it made a great impression on me. I felt that I needed to alert more people about the importance of the work you are doing. I just found out that an article I wrote about the Park was published in Toronto's (Canada) biggest newspaper this past Sunday." [Read more]
———— Hope's Family and Friends ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on December 11, 2009
Not much is new with Mae Perm and Mae Jokia except that they have a new roommate. Rara now sleeps with the ladies and Hope, but hasn't bonded with them much farther than that. Hope has been spending more time under the observation deck after bathing, wooing the crowds with his playful antics squirting water on people and giving kisses. [Read more]
———— Ele Gossip: December 2009 ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on December 10, 2009
Speaking of Faa Mai and Chang Yim, they are both doing great. Faa Mai is a total "little girl," not nearly as rough as Chang Yim, very gentle natured. She has the cutest cartoon-style "butterfly wing" shaped ears, and is quite chubby. Her mother Mae Bua Tong does seem to be living up to the new "part-time mom" title and has found new friends in Mae Tee and Mae Kham Geao. [Read more]
———— ENF Meets with Surin Government, Showcases Surin Project ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on December 9, 2009
On November 19-21, 2009, Elephant Nature Foundation invited international press to Surin in northeastern Thailand to showcase its new Surin Project volunteer program and to attend a press conference hosted by the government of Surin at the Annual Elephant Round-up Festival. [Read more]
———— Khum Min Update ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on December 8, 2009
Khum Min is making a slow but steady recovery. He has been staying at the Lampang elephant hospital since late September. [Read more]
———— Why Elephants Paint (and How You Can Help) ————
Posted by Jessica McHugh on May 15, 2008
Recently we've received a number of emails asking if Elephant Nature Foundation has elephants paint at the Park. The answer is a resounding no. We neither have elephants paint (or perform any other humanized activity), nor do we support this practice. Read more to find out why. [Read more]
———— An Open Letter to Future Park Volunteers ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on April 19, 2008
Phyl Kirkland is a Trustee of Elephant Nature Foundation UK, and has volunteered at Elephant Nature Park more times than even an elephant could remember. At our request, she has written up a list of suggestions for future volunteers, to help them get the most out of their time at the Park. [Read more]
———— May 2007 Newsletter ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on May 26, 2007
Our May 2007 Newsletter was released in celebration of Songkran, the Buddhist New Year. This issue features updates on the Park's new elephants (and new water buffalo!), gossip about a bit of ele-romance, and much more! [Read more]
———— Baby Cow Born at Park ————
Posted by Jessica McHugh on December 29, 2006
It was known that Brown Cow and White Cow had made several unauthorized visits to nearby farms where they met other cows. But what took place during these visits was unclear; that is, at least until the morning of September 24th. [Read more]
———— An Important Announcement to Our Friends ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on September 20, 2006
On September 19th, military leaders staged a coup d'etat in Bangkok and overthrew Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. To date, there has been no violence in connection with this event. [Read more]
———— Children's Groups Visit the Park ————
Posted by Lek Chailert on September 16, 2006
Every year Elephant Nature Park provides this open day complimentary program for under-privileged Thai children (from young age to University age) to come to learn about the elephant in the park. [Read more]
———— Medo Helps Heal Mae Mai ————
Posted by Lek Chailert on September 12, 2006
When Thong Bai became sick Medo tried to help by offering whatever comfort she could give. She would often visit Mae Mai and Thong Bai at their shelter. [Read more]
———— My First Day at the Elephant Park ————
Posted by Amy Heaton on September 3, 2006
I got to wash an elephant in the river today, and feed a baby and its Mum with fruit. They are lucky here now, but apart from the babies, they are all broken, abused and being helped to be reborn. [Read more]
———— Mae Mai & Thong Bai: Unconditional Love ————
Posted by Lek Chailert on August 12, 2006
Mae Mai would munch grass and cane then pass the moist leaves for Thong Bai. They enjoyed over twenty months together as bosom friends. The depth of love and care they had for each other is hard for us to understand. [Read more]
———— Grandmother Elephant Passes Away ————
Posted by Lek Chailert on August 12, 2006
Late afternoon tears began rolling down Mae Mai's cheeks. At 3.35 pm the following day Thong Bai had passed away, thankfully with no pain. She just closed her eyes and rested forever. [Read more]
———— Magical 11 Days ————
Posted by Ilin Hsu on August 10, 2006
This is a trip that I had looked forward to for seven months. A 7-day stay turned into 11 days. I wish I could have stayed longer. If to describe my experience at the park in one word, it would be "magical"! [Read more]
———— Thong Bai's Amazing Survival ————
Posted by Lek Chailert on August 6, 2006
On early morning of Friday 29 July 06, at 4 am, park mahout Zorns, heard screaming from Thong Bai's best friend, Mae Mai. They found Thong Bai laying on the ground with Mae Mai desperately trying to lift Thong Bai with her head and trunk. [Read more]
———— The Rescue of Medo ————
Posted by Lek Chailert on July 6, 2006
We first saw Medo found in February and we couldn't believe that they still used her to work. But, when we looked into her eyes, we found that she is willing to live. [Read more]
———— Inspiring, Peaceful, Heartwarming ————
Posted by Sanne on May 12, 2006
Living here is amazing, an experience that is difficult to describe. A fantastic environment, great animals, inspiring people, beautiful stories. So incredibly peaceful. It is weird how fast you get used to someone or something, how fast you get attached to something or someone. [Read more]
———— Rescued Baby Elephant: Story Update ————
Posted by Elephant Nature Foundation on May 6, 2006
On 06 Jan 2006 we rescued a mother and baby elephant from a trekking camp. Both mother (Thong-Kham) and her baby arrived in very bad condition, the baby was born early born and arrived in the world under weight. [Read more]
