Indonesia had the fastest rate of deforestation in the world, and this spells trouble for local wildlife. In fact, elephant numbers have dropped by a terrifying 40% since 1992.
After a spate of clashes between elephants and their human neighbours, the Indonesian government has pursued a policy of capturing ‘rogue’ elephants and moving them into Conservation Centres. But these centres very often lack trained veterinary staff and equipment, not to mention basics like shade, water and fodder.
We don’t support the capture of wild elephants as a solution to human-elephant conflict. But we also can’t stand by and watch these animals suffer. So we’re working with the Veterinary Society for Sumatran Wildlife Conservation to implement the Elephant Health Care Programme across six Conservation Centres and address the plight of the country’s captive elephant population.
The programme’s team of vets specialise in elephant care, treating wounds, supplementing diets and carrying out regular health-checks. What’s more, they also share their knowledge with the mahouts, improving standards of elephant husbandry and welfare in the long-term.
