Sangdeaun Lek Chailert is a conservationist, nicknamed the "elephant whisperer" for her ability to connect with them
"Until each of us understands that elephants should be respected and not treated as our slaves, I will not rest - I will fight for them." Sangdeaun Lek Chailert is a conservationist, nicknamed the "elephant whisperer" for her ability to connect with these animals and her constant work to protect and save the species in Thailand.
Asian elephants - listed by WWF as endangered - once roamed free throughout most of the region, but are now found only in wet forests and grassy areas, occupying only 15% of their former habitat. This is also largely due to development projects such as the construction of dams, roads and industrial complexes, plantations and the spread of human settlements.
Today there are fewer than 40 Asian elephants, more than half are found in India and less than 7 in Thailand, where half live in captivity. The conservationist known simply as Lek, has been fighting for their protection for years. In 1996, she founded the Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary and educational center for abused, injured and traumatized elephants, rescued after being forced to work in tourism and illegal logging.
Join Lek Live with National Geographic! Our founder, Saengduean Lek Chailert will be live tomorrow (1/7/20) at…
Posted by Elephant Nature Park on Tuesday, June 30, 2020
The elephants, many of which are severely malnourished and suffering from psychological and physical problems, are cared for and restored to health and are free to roam the vast park of about 100 hectares located in the Mae Taeng Valley, about 60 km north of the Chiang Mai city.
His passion for elephants has distant origins. As a teenager, Lek suffered from the cries of a distressed elephant forced to work in logging - banned by the Thai government since 1989. From then on, he swore that saving elephants would be his mission. “Even though I didn't have any money back then, I knew I had to find a way to help them,” says Lek, now 59, and one of the founders of the Save Elephant Foundation.
Posted by Elephant Nature Park on Wednesday, August 19, 2020
After graduating from Chiang Mai University, he started doing a variety of odd jobs, saving money to save one elephant at a time. Unfortunately, to buy an elephant it takes 60 thousand (about 1600 euros).
"I have no other choice as there is no law in Thailand that allows the authorities to confiscate elephants, even if they are abused: I just can't take them," explains the conservative.
Posted by Elephant Nature Park on Wednesday, August 19, 2020
Elephant Nature Park, nestled in the mountains, is located in an area of land donated by an American.
“Many elephants come to our park injured and in critical condition - some have lost their balance and can hardly walk, others are blind or cannot hear,” says Lek. “Friends thought I was crazy to buy them when they are about to die. But my only rule is: save the elephants that need help ”.
Although they are revered as a national symbol of Thailand, many of the country's domestic elephants work in the tourism industry. At the beginning of their life, many pachyderms are subjected to a brutal ritual called phajaan, which means "crushing", in which the cubs are separated from their mothers, then tied in wooden cages and subjected to daily physical and psychological torture to be tamed. . Fortunately, these cruel activities are not as common today as they were ten years ago.
Our Rescue Mission Continues …Thank you everyone for your kind support. We have raised enough funds to rescue 7…
Posted by Elephant Nature Park on Wednesday, July 15, 2020
"Now, things are definitely changing, as people are becoming more aware of animal conservation."
However, more than 50% of elephants in Thailand live in captivity. The Elephant Nature Park in Lek is home to more than 80, but also 700 dogs, many of which were rescued after the heavy floods that hit Bangkok in 2011, 800 cats and 98 buffaloes. It raises funds mainly through sponsorships and tourism. Visitors can stay for a day or overnight and feed, walk and help bathe the elephants or volunteer.
Baby Wan Mai's first time bathing in the bath tub.
During this difficult time from the crisis of Covid-19, little Wan Mai is a super star who bring joy and brighten our days. Watching her playing with water in the bath tub is the most enjoyable moment. Thank you all supporters who help us rescued the baby and her mother so we could bring them to live with freedom at Elephant Nature Park. We could not see this great fun moment of the baby without your help. We are truly appriciate all your kind supports and still need help to take care our belove elephants. Buying #EleGiftCard to feed our elephants is the easiest way to help: https://www.elephantnaturepark.org/shop/elegiftcard/
Posted by Elephant Nature Park on Wednesday, August 26, 2020
With tourism levels plummeting during the coronavirus pandemic lockdowns, the Elephant Nature Park - found itself without visitors, volunteers or income to pay for its upkeep. Feeding an elephant can cost up to 30 euros a day, more than three times Thailand's minimum daily wage. Yet Lek went undaunted and even considered selling her car when the park's financial situation worsened. "Humans can always ask for help, but animals can't, so we have to help them," she says.
Posted by Elephant Nature Park on Sunday, June 28, 2020
Her tireless conservation efforts over the past 24 years have led her to be named "Hero of Asia" by Time magazine in 2005, while in 2010 she was invited to Washington by Hillary Rodham Clinton, then US Secretary of State, to be honored as one of the six female heroines of global conservation.
Fonte: South China Moning Post
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