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SAVING THE THAI ELEPHANT:
A NEW HOPE FOR ELEPHANT CONSERVATION
Introducing
THE NATIONAL ELEPHANT INSTITUTE (NEI):
Under The Royal Patronage of HRH Princess Galyani Vadhana
The National Elephant Institute was founded as the Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC). Subsequently in January 2002, in order to enlarge the scope of conservation efforts and address the issues facing Thailand's elephants, it was proposed that the TECC be renamed the National Elephant Institute.
The main objective for the establishment of the new National Elephant Institute is to develop elephant conservation in a sustainable way and preserve local traditions for future generations. The Institute also aims to improve the tourism business, in which there is an extensive involvement of elephants in tourism-related activities, for the benefit of elephants as well as tourists.
PROJECTS AND SERVICES OF THE NATIONAL ELEPHANT INSTITUTE
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VISITOR ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME
LAMPANG ELEPHANT PAINTINGS FOR SALE
www.novica.com
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| THE ELEPHANT ADOPTION PROJECT
The Institute has initiated an Elephant Adoption Programme for those who would like to sponsor individual elephants. Donations may be made in instalments or as a lump sum.
Those interested in sponsoring an elephant (Adopting Elephant Parents) have 2 options:
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To sponsor an elephant from birth until the age of 4
Sponsorship cost of 30,000 Baht
The FIO will be responsible for the care of the elephant and reserves the right to place the young elephant in training, when appropriate.
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To sponsor an elephant aged 4-years old and above, or a sick or crippled elephant
Sponsorship cost of 60,000 Baht |
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For further information, please contact:
National Elephant Institute (NEI) Office
26 Tha Ma-oo Road,
Tambon Wiang Neua,
Amphoe Muang Lampang,
Lampang 52000, Thailand
Tel: 66 (054) 228-108, 229-042
Fax: 66 (054) 231-150
Web site: www.thailandelephant.org |
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- THE ELEPHANT AND MAHOUT TRAINING SCHOOL
The Institute is home to the world's first training school for mahouts and imparts knowledge to elephant keepers and aspirants, both Thais and foreigners, on the correct way to care for their animals, provide basic health care and train young elephants.
The school also advises private owners on their husbandry and management systems, and promotes tourism among those interested in experiencing the lives of the mahouts and elephants firsthand in a natural environment.
Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate issued by the National Elephant Institute.
- AN EDUCATION CENTRE FOR VETERINARY STUDENTS
Each year, veterinary students from many institutions visit the Institute to practice and study elephant medicine. At the Institute, veterinarians with knowledge, skills, and experience train students to treat elephants all over the world, thus contributing to global conservation efforts.
- THE ELEPHANT RELEASE PROJECT
This is a joint project of The Royal Household, the Third Division Army, Lampang and Lamphun Provinces, The Royal Forest Department, the World Wildlife Fund, and the Smithsonian Institution.
The target area is the wildlife refuge at Doi Pa Muang, and the provinces of Lampang and Lamphun. In preparing elephants for release, a medical check-up is conducted, vital statistics recorded, and a signalling radio collar is attached. The elephants are then taken out to the target area and released. They gradually adapt to life in the Doi Pa Muang Conservation Area, and learn how to live in the wild state. Their behaviour, their adaptation and their movements are studied from signals sent by the radio satellite collar. A follow-up is made every month.
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- ELEPHANT SHOWS
A demonstration of logging techniques by elephants is held at the Institute daily, along with performances of elephant musicians and painters. There are 2 shows from Monday to Friday at 10:00 and 11:00 hrs. On weekends and public holidays, there is an additional show at 13:30.
- ELEPHANT RIDES
Elephant rides are available from 08:00 to 15:30 daily. The shortest ride offered is a 10-minute ride around the Institute itself. Rides through the nearby woods and mountains last between 30 minutes to an hour. These rides are far cheaper than at most commercial camps, so as to keep them affordable to all Thais.
- HOMESTAY PROGRAMME
The Institute offers a homestay programme in the mahout village and welcomes tourists who are interested in studying and experiencing the life of a mahout and his elephant.
Visitors participating in the programme share the same house as the mahout, participate in the daily activities of the mahout, and join in various communal activities.
The day begins with the elephant being escorted out into the woods in the morning. This is followed by a session on the basics of riding an elephant and the issue of commands to the elephant. The programme also provides an opportunity for participants to exchange experiences with English-speaking staff who are familiar with elephants and mahouts.
In the evenings, the elephant is once again escorted back into the woods for the night. Participants will also try their hand at preparing local dishes, dine northern Thai-style, and listen to local music played by the mahouts.
Homestay facilities are also open to tourists who do not wish to participate in the homestay programme, but only wish to stay overnight at the Institute.
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- "A NEW WORLD FOR ELEPHANTS" PROJECT
"A New World for Thai Elephants" was a tribute to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the auspicious occasion of His Majesty the King's 6th Cycle Birthday Anniversary in 1999 initiated by the residents of Lampang Province.
The project involved the proposal of short and long term solutions to the problems facing Thailand's elephants, which included the preparation of areas to receive retired domestic elephants from various locations. A total of 72 elephants were acquired by the project to serve, for example, as release animals, as breeders, as retired animals, and animals to be trained for appropriate work.
- ELEPHANT HOSPITAL
A public elephant hospital at the Institute (Thai Elephant Conservation Center) provides free veterinary services not only to its elephants, but also to elephants from neighbouring provinces. Veterinarians also travel to treat sick or injured animals unable to be moved, even in remote areas.
- ELEPHANT SPERM BANK PROJECT
To combat the risk of extinction and preserve the genetic variety of Thai elephants, cutting-edge reproductive and biochemical technologies have been investigated to explore the possibility of collecting, preserving, and freezing elephant semen for future artificial insemination. Veterinarians from Kasetsart University and the National Elephant Institute have been studying elephant semen since 1999, and have been successful in preserving semen for extended periods.
- PANG LA ELEPHANT NURSERY CENTER
Pang La Elephant Nursery Center is located at Pang La Village in the Ngao District of Lampang Province.
Formerly a training centre for young elephants, it has since become a retirement centre for 29 elephants under the care of the Forest Industry Organization (FIO). These elephants are sick, old or crippled, and are unable to walk or engage in hard work. Some have become such a danger to the people and community around them that they can no longer remain in the care of their owners and are sent to the centre. Confiscated elephants from illegal logging are also still being brought here. All of these animals are cared for by mahouts and veterinarians from the Institute.
- THE MOBILE VETERINARY CLINIC
The Institute has a mobile veterinarian project to treat sick elephants in the provinces of the northern region, both privately-owned elephants and others. As the general public supports the clinic through donations for expenses, treatment is provided free-of-charge. So far this project has successfully treated a large number of elephants and has provided valuable healthcare advice throughout the region.
- FUND-RAISING ACTIVITIES
Now that the demand for working elephants has declined, many are out of work and are often left uncared for. The 'working elephants' at the National Elephant Institute/Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang Province participate in a variety of fund-raising activities in order to generate much-needed funds to support a range of medical and welfare services that are made available to other elephants in need of health and medical care and other assistance.
ECO-TOURISM ACTIVITIES OFFERED BY THE NATIONAL ELEPHANT INSTITUTE
Contact information
National Elephant Institute (The Thai Elephant Conservation Center)
Km 28-29, Lampang - Chiang Mai Road,
Tambon Viengtan, Hangchat District,
Lampang Province 52000, Thailand
Tel: (66) 54-228-108, 228-034
Fax: (66) 54-231-150
Web site: www.thailandelephant.org
THE ELEPHANT ADOPTION PROJECT
The Institute has initiated an Elephant Adoption Programme for those who would like to sponsor individual elephants. Donations may be made in instalments or as a lump sum.
Those interested in sponsoring an elephant (Adopting Elephant Parents) have 2 options:
- To sponsor an elephant from birth until the age of 4
Sponsorship cost of 30,000 Baht
The FIO will be responsible for the care of the elephant and reserves the right to place the young elephant in training, when appropriate.
- To sponsor an elephant aged 4-years old and above, or a sick or crippled elephant
Sponsorship cost of 60,000 Baht
For further information, please contact:
National Elephant Institute (NEI) Office
26 Tha Ma-oo Road,
Tambon Wiang Neua, Amphoe Muang Lampang,
Lampang 52000, Thailand
Tel: 66 (054) 228-108, 229-042
Fax: 66 (054) 231-150
Web site: www.thailandelephant.org |
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