Elephant journey back to the jungle

From January 2006

What:

An educational and promotional journey with the two former streetelephants which have been bought free. We will make our way with them through the heart of Thailand (including Ayuthaya, Lopburi and Sukhothai). During our journey we will stay overnight at temples, visit schools (see scholarships), we will invite interesting guests, hold presentations and press conferences. At the temples we will give the monks the opportunity of performing traditional buddhist ceremonies with the elephants.

The journey will eventually bring us to the Elephant Nature Park. This beautiful spot north of Chiang Mai has been created especially for abused and overworked Thai elephants. Here there are no chains, no drugs, no traffic and no 12 hour working-days. Elephants can enjoy their life and their deserved peace!

Why:

The elephant is an animal so beloved in the hearts of all people; and plays an important symbolic and cultural role in Thailand. Unfortunately, the same Asian elephant is today under threat. Due to loss of its forest habitat, the Asian elephant is now endangered in the wild. The traditional lives of domesticated elephants are limited these days because of modernization. Unless action is taken, the elephant will not survive another generation.

By showing the elephants to the people we meet along the way, we give them the chance to experience once again how special these creatures are, and how important it is to work hard to guarantee the future of the elephant. We hope to raise awareness and support for environmental- and animal protection projects like the Elephant Nature Park.

With this elephant journey we sure will gain media attention. We will show that there are enough natural, animal friendly and most important of all fun alternatives for meeting with elephants.

Result:

The journey has started December 25, 2005. The first week we need for the elephants and their mahouts to get used to each other. The elephants have to regain strength as well. Silver Flower, for example is covered with wounds and infections, which are being treated daily now. With a truck we will bring the elephants to Ayutthaya, where our educational journey will start.

The provisional plan for the journey is:

  • January 3-8, 2006 - Ayutthaya
  • January 9-15, 2006 - Lopburi
  • January 16-21, 2006 - Sukhothai
  • January 22, 2006 - Elephant Nature Park