When the Thai government enforced a logging ban in 1989, it was good news for the dwindling rainforests – but very bad news for the thousands of domesticated elephants used in the logging industry.
Many were reduced to a life of street-begging with their unemployed mahouts. But the big city isn’t kind to elephants. In fact, the effects of traffic, pollution and poor diet lowers their average life expectancy to just five years.
So we’ve been working with the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation to provide viable alternative livelihoods for elephants and their mahouts – and a high standard of health and welfare for both.
Now elephants are rented along with their mahouts – rather than bought outright – to discourage trade in wildlife.
And local schools, community groups and tourists are encouraged to visit an elephant camp, where they can learn about the plight of Thailand’s elephants, as well as best practice for captivity.
