Asian Elephant, Cora, at Topeka Zoo
February 1st, Asian Elephant Support launched a fundraising campaign – Chang Vet Aid – to help provide the salary AES had committed to in 2020 for the second Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic veterinarian during the pandemic. Our supporters – YOU! - came through BIG time!
However, a huge TRUNKS UP also goes to our friends at the Topeka Zoo, who unexpectedly and most generously gifted AES with $8,000! Knowing our fundraiser was doing well, FOTZ (Friends of the Topeka Zoo) and the Conservation and Education Department - who know our work and that we are a totally volunteer-lead nonprofit - appreciate that their entire gift will help Asian elephants wherever needed. And there will still be a lot of needs before Asia is again able to welcome back visitors and the tourist income which is so important to these countries.
AES has a long relationship with the Topeka Zoo. AES Secretary, Mindy Ussrey started her career caring for elephants there in 2004, and President, Linda Reifschneider has been a guest speaker at the zoo’s Conservation Conversation series. The first was May 2015, where Linda was honored to meet Gary Clarke, Topeka’s CEO Emeritus, and was presented with a hand-painted canvas by Topeka artist Charlie Moore.
(Left) AES Secretary, Mindy Ussrey training with Sunda & Tembo in 2004; (Right) AES President, Linda Reifschneider presented with artwork by local artist, Charlie Moore in 2015
Linda spoke again at the same series in September 2018 to another enthusiastic gathering of people who care about Asian elephants and love their Topeka Zoo. On these, as well as other visits Linda has made with various friends to Topeka Zoo, she has graciously been offered the opportunity to spend time with the elephants and their keepers, as well as visiting all the Zoo’s other residents.
Our sincere thanks to Dennis Dinwiddie, Director of Conservation and Education, and the Friends of the Topeka Zoo, for their dedication to Asian elephants and their generous gift which helps AES in our efforts to assist Asian elephants on their challenging trek toward the next century.