Zebula Golf Estate & Spa, Bela-Bela, South Africa
October 21-25, 2019
AES President Linda Reifschneider has attended all but one of the International Elephant Foundation’s Symposiums since 2004. They are held approximately every 18 months and the locations have been various countries around the globe. As customary, Linda presented the annual update on AES’s funding activities since the previous symposium.
These meetings are always exceptional in content, with presenters representing veterinarians, field researchers, educations, mahouts (keepers/caregivers), occasional governmental officials, NGOs (such as AES), and enthusiasts. We appreciate the opportunity to help bring some of those we have funded to this gathering so they may share their work and we have a rare opportunity to visit in person. This year was no exception and the location at Zebula was truly a lovely look at South Africa’s version of golf and spa: exceptional scenery and wildlife included!
No elephant gathering is ever complete without hands on with elephants. This symposium was no exception. First introduced to Rory Hensman and his amazing African elephants at a previous IEF symposium in South Africa several years ago, getting reacquainted with them, now domiciled in Bela-Bela, was a very special treat. You are urged to check out Rory Hensman and www.adventureswithelephants.com/ourstory for a true - and truly amazing - story of a man and his elephants.
AES thanks IEF for hosting these symposiums and allowing us to be both presenter and supporter of these gatherings. And, to our supporters, as always, directors cover all their own travel and other expenses related to being on the AES board. Your generous support always goes totally to projects that help Asian elephants as well as those who work with and for them, and those whose lives are impacted by them. Thank you!