Elephant Sanctuaries: Refuge For The Captive

Last week i spoke on the elephants heroes. Among this group was those people who establish elephant sanctuaries. Sanctuaries as you may be aware, perform the rescue and care of animals and in this case, endangered animals. I highlighted the work done by David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. I would like to introduce you to a few more of these heroes. Here goes... *Drum rolls please*

1. The Elephant Sanctuary, Tennessee US
This sanctuary was founded as a not-for profit organisation in Tennessee in 1995. It is the largest of its kind in the nation for the protection of specifically the female African and Asian elephants. The elephants are individually cared for and provided with a safe haven. Therefore as a true sanctuary is, it is not open to the public.

It is designed specifically for old, sickly or needy elephants retired from zoos and circuses. The sanctuaries outreach program has been responsible for the teaching of thousands of school children around the country on the importance of wildlife.

2. Elephant Nature Park, Thailand, Bangkok
Elephant Nature Park is a project established in Northern Thailand in 1990. It is a rescue and rehabilitation center for elephants specifically. It has gained enormous press coverage and has been featured in National Geographic due to its volunteer opportunities where volunteers come out to help care for these animals.

3.  Elephant Sanctuary, South Africa
The Elephant Sanctuary South Africa established in 1999 has three  sanctuaries across three provinces; Plettenberg Bay, Hartbeespoortdam and Hazyview. Home to 12 African elephants, this sanctuary has successfully domesticated these animals through a positive reinforcement animal management strategy. Visitors are thus allowed to interact with the animal by hand-in-trunk walks, feeding and touch. The sanctuary offers daily tours and a magnificent experience to match.

4. Volunteer Cambodia Elephant Sanctuary, Cambodia, South East Asia
The Cambodia Elephant Sanctuary is located in a secluded forest area and houses 12 rescued elephants. Since Cambodia is least disturbed by tourism, it offers a safe haven for these animals. This program is specially suited for the elephants need of space and being away from human activity. Volunteers are dedicated to taking care of these animals. This project helps not only the animals but also the people it employs; the elephant keepers (mahout).

5. Thailand Elephant Sanctuary, Thailand, Bangkok
A sister project to the Cambodia Elephant Sanctuary, the Thailand Elephant Sanctuary is a refuge for approximately 10 of these domesticated elephants. Elephant keepers are assisted by volunteers who do hands-on duties of caring for these animals.  It offers a serene environment as it is surrounded by a dense forest and national parks.

These five elephant sanctuaries are but a select few. Many other sanctuaries exist where previously captive elephants are rescued and cared for. These and many other actions across the world show that there is indeed 'humane-ity' in humanity. :)