Wrylie has been working for the Topeka Zoo for about six years, three of which have been with elephants. She started there as an intern in high school. Her love for elephants developed at an early age with books and stories but also getting to see the two elephants at the Topeka Zoo. She wanted to get involved with AES because of our projects in range countries. She was willing to help in any way she could, and she has had training in web development and maintains the Topeka Zoo website, so it was a perfect match for her to help with our website. Wrylie's help has already proven invaluable and we're incredibly grateful that she is willing to extend her expertise for our benefit. Welcome, Wrylie! We're so glad to have you on board.
2013 EMA Conferece
Asian Elephant Support has had representation at many Elephant Managers Association (EMA) conferences, even before AES became a non-profit. Because we believe these conferences are a valuable resource in Asian elephant conservation, the AES Board members are willing to pay their own travel costs in order to attend.
The EMA is an international non-profit organization of professional elephant handlers, administrators, veterinarians, researchers, and elephant enthusiasts. These are the people who share the joys and never forget the sorrows that are part of being dedicated to the care and future of this magnificent animal. The EMA is dedicated to the welfare of the world’s elephants through conservation, husbandry, research, education and communication. Members adhere to a code of professional ethics and are committed to providing care for elephants at the highest professional level.
Directors April, Linda, and Sharon at the display table
The conference always begins with a social event for people to see old friends and start developing new relationships centered on working with elephants. October 7 and 8 were full of interesting presentations from elephant keepers, managers, zoo directors, conservationists, researchers, and veterinarians from around the world.
This was an opportunity for us to gain first-hand knowledge of the work being done around the world to improve the lives of elephants in captive situations and in wild populations. It is also a time to share the work that AES has been able to accomplish over the year as a result of the generosity of our supporters.
April presenting
Director, April Yoder, gave a presentation on AES and we were also given a display table so we could educate the attendees on our conservations efforts and of the needs of elephants in Asian range countries.
The individuals who work closely with elephants every day have a unique opportunity to share information with the general public. It is this knowledge and awareness that will truly make a difference for the future of Asian elephants.
Linda receiving her award
While many of the people who attend the EMA conferences work directly with elephants in some capacity, it is not a requirement for membership. The EMA members who are elephant enthusiasts are a power force in the battle for the elephants’ survival. Our president, Linda, received an award from the EMA board of directors for founding AES and for her continuing enthusiasm for elephants.
The remainder of the conference provided similar opportunities to share knowledge and experiences. The day at the Dallas Zoo included behind the scene tours, demonstrations, and workshops. Even the evenings were full of events and plenty of conversations about elephants.
We would like to thank the Dallas Zoo staff for making the 34th annual conference a great experience and we encourage everyone to become involved in the EMA and the elephant community. The 2015 conference will be in Toledo, Ohio. YOU are invited! To learn more about the EMA visit www.elephantmanagers.com.
2013 International Elephant & Rhino Conservation and Research Symposium
The 2013 International Elephant & Rhino Conservation and Research Symposium was presented by the International Elephant Foundation (IEF) and the International Rhino Foundation (IRF) and was hosted by the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.
Linda Presenting
Typically these foundations have separate symposiums, but elephants and rhinos share similar habitats and face similar conservation issues, so a joint meeting is only logical. This was the third time these organizations have come together to share information and research project results on conservation issues such as human conflict mitigation, management, health, nutrition, and reproduction. Participants were from around the world including the US, Canada, Germany, France, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Uganda, and South Africa.
There were over 65 presentations ranging from the latest research on the elephant endotheliotropic herpesviruses (EEHV), to the translocation of black rhinos, to how captive elephants can benefit wild populations. AES president, Linda Reifschneider, gave a presentation on AES’ activities for the last year and the importance of collaboration.
directors
Directors April, Linda, and Sharon
While the presentations were very enlightening, many valuable conversations also occurred during the social events. some of the best ideas are written on a cocktail napkin!
While elephants and rhino populations are disappearing at an alarming rate, the information that is shared at these symposiums will provide a framework for preserving both of these magnificent species. Thank you to the International Elephant Foundation, the International Rhino Foundation, and the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium for providing this great educational and networking opportunity.
2013 Annual Board Meeting
Bamboo showing off her charm (and adorable unibrow)
To maintain good communication and achieve Asian Elephant Support's goals, the members of the board of directors have monthly conference calls to discuss on-going projects and a wide variety of other foundation business. However, once a year we have our annual meeting where we get together in person. This year we chose Orcas Island, Washington, near the home of director Gretchen.
Linda arrived from St. Louis, Missouri, April from Norfolk, Virginia, and Sharon drove up from Portland, Oregon and we met at the Woodland Park Zoo Friday morning to get our elephant fix. The zoo staff spoiled us by allowing us to meet their elephants while picking their brains about their pachyderms. It was hard not to be charmed by Bamboo's, Chai's, and Watoto's unique and mischievous personalities. A special thanks to Pat, Pattie, and Bruce for taking time out of their busy days to allow us this special visit.
That afternoon, we caught the ferry from Anacortes to Orcas Island. While we were wishfully hoping for some Orca sightings, we were delighted at the porpoises accompanying the ferry. Upon arrival to the island, Linda treated us to a delicious dinner and then we made our way to Gretchen's family's cabin. We are extremely thankful for the use of Ann Jones and Caroline Kingsbury's gorgeous (and extremely comfortable) cabin!
We spent the whole day Saturday, with the exception of about an hour, at our computers, discussing our projects and future. We couldn't have asked for better weather. Sunny weekends are hard to come by in the Pacific Northwest, but that's indeed what we were granted (April took the credit for bringing the sun from Virginia). No matter the sun's source, we were grateful it graced us with its presence.
Sunday morning we were back on our computers to finish up some last minute business and then we trekked back to the ferry so that Linda could catch her flight the next day and so that April and Sharon could drive back down to Portland. April was also able to fit in a visit at the Oregon Zoo, where she was a former elephant keeper.
Together we accomplished a lot of foundation business, enjoyed our elephant experiences, and enjoyed the face-to-face interaction that we only get once a year. Each annual meeting affords us renewed enthusiasm and determination to do everything possible to save these magnificent animals.
3rd Annual CPK Fundraiser
Thank you to all our friends and family for promoting our event, making long drives, sharing our mission, and eating for elephants! The numbers are starting to roll in and it looks
like this year's event was an even greater success than last year!
We would like to say a special thanks to all of our local representatives out there!
Pat and Molly Flora - Birmingham, AL
Victoria Girdler and Robbie Clark - San Diego, CA
Liz Wilson - Santa Barbara, CA
Liz Beem - Ventura, CA
Vanessa and Michael Gagne - Dallas, TX
Erin Johns - Richmond, VA
A special "trumpet" goes to Whitney Jones, Kim Schaefer, Cynthia Christison, and Barbara Davis for their help and for greeting and thanking our supporters during the event.
2012 Annual Board Meeting
April, Sharon, Linda, Whitney (a volunteer), Gretchen, and Bud the elephant!
To maintain good communication and achieve Asian Elephant Support’s goals, the board of directors has a monthly conference call to discuss on-going projects and a wide variety of other foundation business. However, once a year we have our annual meeting where we get together in person. This year we chose St. Louis, Missouri, the home of our president and the headquarters for Asian Elephant Support. On Friday, June 8th, Sharon arrived from Oregon, April from Virginia, and Gretchen from Washington.Once everyone had arrived we headed off to the only logical place for dinner, The Elephant Bar Restaurant.
We started our meeting early Saturday morning and worked for two and a half hours, then took a break and drove to Grant’s Farm, a special St. Louis venue. Thanks to Jenny and her team, we had a wonderful visit with the park’s elephants, Bud and Mickey.
It was back to work for a few hours before going to dinner at the Pasta House Company. As we continued our discussions during dinner, we were also helping Asian elephants because a portion of our bill was donated to Asian Elephant Support through the “Good Dining” Program. For more information on the “Good Dining” program, visit Goodsearch Shopping.
Sunday morning the computers were humming again. We spent the afternoon at the St. Louis Zoo and enjoyed watching their herd of Asian elephants and talking with the staff. The newest addition to the herd, Kenzi , was a joy to watch as she raced around her mother and grandmother while her older siblings enjoyed a swim in the pool.
Sunday evening, Linda hosted a get-together at her house for all the keepers from Grant’s Farm and the Zoo. We saw some old friends and made a lot of new friends that evening. Everyone enjoyed the conservation and helped support Asian Elephant Support by having dinner that was delivered by Pasta House Company. Monday morning we were back at the computers for our last working session. It was a great weekend of work and fun. Together we accomplished a lot of foundation business, enjoyed our elephant experiences, and enjoyed the social time with our St. Louis friends. That afternoon we headed to the airport with renewed enthusiasm and determination to do everything possible to save these magnificent animals.
2011 EMA Conference
AES sponsors Richard Lair as keynote speaker at the 2011 Elephant Managers Association Conference (Rochester, NY)
Asian Elephant Support was pleased to be able to sponsor Richard Lair's attendance as keynote speaker at the 2011 Elephant Managers Association (EMA) Conference in Rochester, NY, in October. Linda, Sharon and April were in attendance at the conference and Gretchen was able to visit with him in Seattle after the conference.
Richard Lair is a world famous expert and conservationist who has had an exciting and diverse career working with and writing about elephants in Thailand. He is a native Californian and has lived and worked with Asian elephants for 34 years, 31 of which were in Thailand. He moved to Thailand in 1980 and volunteered with the Association for the Conservation of Wildlife, the country’s first conservation organization.
In 1988 he wrote the first scientific paper on the numbers and status of Thai domesticated elephants, pointing out the new threats facing a greatly diminished population. In 1997 he wrote “Gone Astray: The Care and Management of the Asian Elephant in Domesticity” for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, and this publication remains the definitive text on domesticated elephant in Southeast Asia. In 2005 he edited and coauthored an “Elephant Care Manual for Mahouts and Camp Managers.” His next project will be a review of Thai law on both wild and domesticated elephants, including possible directions for the future.
For twelve years he worked at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC) as an advisor. In 1993 he founded, trained and managed the Second Unit elephants for a Walt Disney film, “Operation Dumbo Drop.” He also worked on Oliver Stone's "Alexander" as safety and animal welfare officer. He was the first person to train elephants paint in Thailand and is cofounder and co-director of the one and only, world renowned, Thai Elephant Orchestra. The Orchestra has just released its third and final CD entitled "Water Music."
Richard's travel and speaking engagements kept him very busy on this trip, and we are grateful to Richard for sharing his knowledge and experience with so many other elephant professionals.
Justin Smith, Linda Reifschneider, Richard Lair and Jenni Bowman with elephants Jewell and Zina at the Little Rock Zoo
After spending a couple of days with friends in San Francisco recuperating from the long flight from Lampang, Thailand, Richard's first stop was Little Rock, Arkansas and it started out a little ‘rocky'. Due to bad weather in Houston, Texas, his flight to Little Rock on Thursday night was cancelled. The next flight out was not leaving until 8:00am Friday morning. Unfortunately, he was supposed to speak at the Little Rock Zoo at 7:30am Friday morning at a breakfast presentation for Zoo donors and volunteers. However, in the end everything worked out. April filled in for Richard at the breakfast and Richard arrived safely later that morning. We spent about an hour and a half at the Zoo's elephant barn talking with the staff and meeting the two resident elephants, Zina and Jewell. Then it was off to lunch with a couple of the professors from the University of Arkansas Little Rock before his speech at the University. His speech was written for an audience of elephant professionals, so he modified it slightly for the students. He talked a little about his background and the elephants in Thailand, but focused on how he combined his love of art with his love of science. His point for the students was to not limit themselves and to find something they are truly passionate about.
Richard Lair presents at University of Arkansas, Little Rock
Later we met Linda, our foundation President, back at the Zoo and took a tour of the rest of the zoo. Then it was off to the Riddle's Elephant and Wildlife Sanctuary (www.elephantsancutary.org) to visit with Scott and Heidi Riddle. After a good visit with the Riddles, Richard and Linda flew to Orlando for a day's visit to Ringling's Center for Elephant Conservation, whose motto is: "Endangered Species? Not if We Can Help It." It was a privilege to meet with both old and new friends at the CEC and we greatly appreciate everything they have done for Asian elephant conservation and research over the years.
Richard presenting at EMA
Next, it was off to Rochester, New York. The staff and volunteers at the Seneca Park Zoo did a fabulous job hosting the 32nd Elephant Managers Association conference. There were approximately 110 participants from around the world and everyone enjoyed Richard's keynote speech. It was fascinating to hear about his journey through life and how he ended up working with the elephants of Thailand for 31 years.
Richard then traveled to the west coast to present at the Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, and to catch up with some old friends. The Woodland Park Zoo were gracious hosts and set up a very nice event, complete with an elegant reception with appetizers and beverages. Richard gave an engaging presentation about his experiences with elephants, and focused primarily on the situation of elephants in Thailand, where he has been living for over 30 years. Gretchen and her husband had worked for Richard in Thailand for 6 months and hadn't seen him for 2 years, so they were excited to meet up with him at the event. Richard then went on to visit other friends and family in Montana and California before returning to Thailand.
2011 Annual Board Meeting
Our board held its annual meeting today in Portland Oregon, which is where Director Sharon Glaeser does elephant research. We thank the Oregon Zoo for offering the use of a meeting room. Director April Yoder gave a presentation on the palm oil crisis, and we spent a lovely afternoon in the elephant barn thanks to the fabulous elephant staff and their magnificent group of elephants. In our photo, April enjoys a reunion with the elephants that she had cared for over many years.
California Pizza Kitchen Fundraiser
A GREAT TASTING AND FUN FUNDRAISER
Asian Elephant Support held its first fundraising event at the California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) in Chesterfield, MO. Since that's our president's home turf and she organized the event, we'll let Linda share the day:
"When I first looked at the marketing bits about doing such a fundraiser with California Pizza Kitchen, the examples they gave were entire school events netting several thousand dollars. That I knew we weren't! But with fundraising being difficult for a newer nonprofit and especially in this economy, I decided to make the inquiry.
To sum it up: a delightful day! The managers at CPK were most helpful....and I think a bit amazed and sympathetic as I arrived at 10:30 a.m. and left shortly before 10 p.m., after our last supporting diners were served their dinner (they even sent me home with a complimentary piece of a wonderful chocolate cake!). But I wanted to greet everyone who made the effort to come out and support us and, honestly, from 11 a.m. until almost 3 p.m., I was delighted to see several smiling familiar faces come through the door. Then I had a chance for me to grab a late lunch and the early diners, led by my mom, her friend and my sister, started arriving shortly after 4 p.m. From family to friends and friends of family and friends - including the entire Grant's Farm elephant barn staff and friends - at the end of the day, Asian Elephant Support had added some much needed funds to its bank account, and the support, friendship was a wonderful and greatly appreciated vote of confidence.
Thank you Jean for thinking of taking pictures for me. Next year I will remember my camera. Yes, next April there will be the Second Annual CPK Fundraiser Asian Elephant Support, and I'm already spinning some ideas to make it an even more enjoyable event!
Thank you to each and every one of you who made this a very special day!"