Thai police is gathering information countrywide on an upcoming protest by mahouts of city elephants against the proposed ban on city dwelling of captive elephants by their keepers or mahouts. This practice that has become more and more a contentious issue, complaints from tourists and visitors from all over the world and even local people such as the citizen of Bangkok have been sent to authorities. The population of captive elephants on the streets of Bangkok and other large cities in Thailand is estimated at around 200 individuals. These animals are under constant threat of road accidents, pollution and a scorching heat that can be fatal to a large mammal such as the elephant. The city dwelling is however a financially lucrative practice, bringing in more money than the work at a tourist camp or elephants conservation facility…
Somboon arrives
Stretching her legs after a very long (7 hour) trip
…And then there was Somboon which means “perfect” in Thai, one of these unfortunate elephants. Somboon is a twenty six year old elephant that has been roaming the streets for several years and was hit by a speeding car only one year ago. The accident did not break her hind leg but did enough damage to leave her limping, obviously causing even more discomfort to her distressful lifestyle…
Fortunately for Somboon there are people that want to help, lots of volunteers at the rescue center, caring for the animals everyday. But without financial support of such individuals as Mrs. Joan Pearson from Australia who generously made it possible for us to take Somboon of the streets FOREVER, this would not have been possible! Somboon arrived late in the evening of the 23rd of April at the rescue center from the streets of Suphanburi, one of Thailand’s bigger cities.
meeting the others
her first shower at the center
Somboon is now together with four other rescued elephants at our EREC (Elephant Refuge and Education Center) and has taken her first bath in the lake this morning and is enjoying the shade of the trees, the attention of the keepers and volunteers, the grass and other food she is offered. We will soon update the website more on her wellbeing, and let you know if her new surrounding at night, the forest where the elephants sleep, is “perfect for Somboon?