Chiang Mai University’s Mobile Vet Clinic - September 2021 Update

Our Chiang Mai University’s Mobile Vet Unit veterinarian team was spread around Thailand yet again in the month of September and they teamed up with the DLD, Department of Livestock Development, for many of the visits, doing health checks for over 300 elephants. September 6 and 7, the CMU vets and the DLD did health checks in the Hod-Omkoi area, followed by a trip to Mae Chaem on September 13-15. Finally, they ended their health checks in the Mae Wang area on September 20-22 and September 28.

In the April AES Newsletter we reported on this elephant that suffered chemical burns to the mouth 

During those health checks, the veterinarians checked on an elephant who had been treated for coming into contact with herbicide, and she has made a full recovery. They also implanted a microchip into a young elephant and did other microchip checks as well. 

On September 25, the CMU vets traveled to the Hod district to help an owner of an elephant who’s bull had gone into musth early and had gotten away from the owner. The elephant was not safe being around a nearby village going into musth, so it was critical to safely retrieve the bull. Eventually, the bull was brought back to the owner and the doctors were able to do a health check on the elephant to make sure he wasn’t injured. They also spent some time with the owner educating him on bull management.

Another stop that the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic made in September was, again, in Mae Wang area, to make a follow up visit to an elephant named "Grandma". She was given a tetanus toxoid booster, and they checked on a facial abscess, which they are waiting until next month to drain the purulent material from.

Finally, they made a trip to the Pai area on September 20 to check a female elephant with a corneal ulcer in her eye, resulting from being hit in the eye with bamboo while foraging in the forest. The vets wanted to treat this eye issue quickly as it is a fast moving issue if untreated. She was treated with antibiotics and pain relievers, with a plan to follow up with her in one week.

On September 27, the veterinarians returned for a re-check and found that her eye was healing, thanks to the application of autologous serum and the actions of the owner and the vet assistant. Autologous serum is derived from blood and can be used to treat a number of ocular issues including abrasions

As the tireless work of the CMU veterinarian team continues, we will be sure to bring you their stories and keep you updated on their mission to care for the elephants of Thailand.

If you would like to make a contribution to their mission, please donate today!

Supporting Veterinary Care in Sumatra

We are pleased to support the veterinary care of elephants and other wildlife in Sumatra, Indonesia, along with our veterinary field partner, the Wildlife Ambulance from the Syiah Kuala University Veterinary Faculty in Aceh.

The Wildlife Ambulance Veterinarians provide routine health care to the Conservation Response Unit (CRU) elephants in Aceh and to the Elephant Response Unit (ERU) elephants in Way Kambas National Park. These health checks include weighing each elephant regularly, as well as assessing body condition and providing any needed treatments including deworming. The Veterinarians also monitored the health condition and care procedures of the male calf Dilan rescued earlier from a snare trap, and provide additional food supplies such as bananas, pineapples and other fruits for this elephant.

A young bull elephant, called Dilan, provided with fruits as he recovers from a snare wound on his front right leg

The Veterinarians also assist with other wildlife health issues: recently the Veterinarians were asked by the Aceh Conservation Agency (BKSDA) to check on an adult male Siamang which had been confiscated from a private owner a day earlier.

The animal was sedated and thoroughly assessed. Treatment including deworming and supplemental vitamins were provided. The visit also served as a training opportunity for final year veterinary students who assisted in examining, collecting samples, and treating the Siamang.

The Wildlife Ambulance Veterinarians care for a variety of species, besides elephants

The Veterinarians also travelled to Aceh Jaya regency to assist BKSDA with the resolution of Human-Wildlife-Conflict caused by a wild sun bear. The bear had been observed several times entering village gardens to forage on Durian fruits. The Wildlife Ambulance team prepared all equipment needed for a potential capture, sedation, and transport for relocation. The area was observed 24/7 by the Wildlife Ambulance and BKSDA staff together with local people but the bear did not appear again during this period. BKSDA and wildlife ambulance staff advised local people and village head how to react if the bear comes into the village again and how to safely drive the bear away from their gardens.

The Wildlife Ambulance provided veterinary assistance to BKSDA for the release procedure of three Siamang (Symphalangus syndactylus), one Sumatran Lar Gibbon (Hylobates lar vestitus) and one Sunda Slow Loris (Nycticebus cuocang) into the Jantoh Nature Reserve. The animals had recently been confiscated from individuals owning or trading them illegally.

Students consult with a Veterinarian to assess the body condition of this elephant as part of their training

As part of their clinical internship, 10 veterinary students in their final year accompanied Veterinarians from the Wildlife Ambulance to the Trumon Conservation Response Unit (CRU) in Aceh. A two day seminar was conducted on elephant health care and the students participated in the health checks and treatments for the CRU Trumon elephants, this included:

• Safety concerns when working around elephants

• Clinical examination

• Weight calculation and weighting of elephants

• Body condition scoring

• Drug dose calculation and administration

The annual Special Competences Wildlife Veterinary Training Course for a select number of students, which the Syiah Kuala University Veterinary Faculty conducts since 2018 was not conducted in 2020 due to Covid-19 restrictions. This year due to ongoing restrictions, a version was held with online teaching and a limited amount of practical field sessions.

The module on Medical Management of Elephants was taught by Dr. Christopher Stremme and included the following topics:

• Captive Elephant Management and Welfare

• Clinical Examination in Elephants

• Drug Administration in Elephants

• Female Asian Elephant Reproductive Anatomy, Physiology, and Breeding Management

• Male Asian Elephant Reproductive Anatomy, Breeding Behavior, and Musth

• Birthing and Neonatal Care, Hand Rearing of Orphaned Elephant Calves

• Diseases in Elephants

• Conservation Threats to Sumatran Elephants

• Clinical Case Studies

A field trip to one of the CRU camps allowed students to practice elephant foot care, clinical examination, drug administration, and sample collection.

We are grateful for the efforts of the Veterinarians from the Wildlife Ambulance who work tirelessly to provide medical care for critically endangered Sumatran elephants and other endangered wildlife.

To help us support the Veterinarians in Sumatra, we hope you will consider donating today!

Cheers to 10 + 1 Years! Asian Elephant Support + California Pizza Kitchen + You!

TRUNKS UP for Pizza for Pachyderms!

We at AES wish to thank everyone who participated in Cheers to 10 + 1 Years! - our theme for our 11th annual (except for 2020) fundraiser at California Pizza Kitchen - on September 20-22. With a shorter time than usual to plan and pull off the event, the permanent closure of some of our historic restaurant locations due to the pandemic and leaning on new folks who hadn't been a part of this fundraiser in years past, we weren't sure what to expect. But we should never doubt elephant-lovers and our supporters!

We are so thankful that with your help we raised over $6,200 dollars to care for and conserve elephants in Asia. We wish to share our unending gratitude to our amazing Hosts throughout the nation (listed below) that spread the word about Pizza for Pachyderms and collected donations and sold merchandise to benefit AES.

AES President Linda Goes to Little Rock, Again!

LITTLE ROCK ZOO has been a regular supporter of Asian Elephant Support for many years now. We have become such good friends that our president, Linda, was honored with an invitation to Kristin Warner, the Elephant Manager's wedding! Of course Linda accepted and since she would definitely stop by to see her zoo friends (4 as well as 2-legged ones!) she offered to do a presentation about how AES has handled 2020 and 2021 to date.



Also, making this a perfect trifecta, Syd Tanner, Little Rock Zoo's Curator - Conservation/Green Practices, was retiring and thus a last opportunity to say thanks and wish Syd the very best in retirement.

Offer accepted and car packed for the for 350 mile drive from St. Louis to Little Rock, the presentation took place on October 6th in the Zoo's conference room with seventeen Little Rock Zoo staff in the audience as well as one Little Rock resident Linda happened to meet the previous week in St. Louis. When introduced to Kevin and told he was from Little Rock, Linda invited him to attend the presentation she was giving. He said he'd be there and brought the total in attendance to 18!

Always a good audience, Linda is always glad to visit - and talk! And the entire AES Board appreciates most sincerely, the continuing support Little Rock Zoo and the Little Rock Chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers directs our way.

Thank you Little Rock Zoo for helping AES help Asian elephants!

Chiang Mai University’s Mobile Vet Clinic - August 2021 Update

A microchip reader used to identify elephants during a large-scale health check on 400 elephants

In late August the team from the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic partnered with the National Elephant Health Service and Research Institute to conduct health checks on over 400 elephants in the Mae Tang region of Northern Thailand.

Interestingly, as part of the regular checks, elephants are first identified by checking microchips similar to the ones we may use for the pets in our own homes.

Earlier in the month, the veterinarians were called out to a case in the Mae Wang area where a young calf was reported to be lethargic and not eating.

A report of an issue in an elephant this young can cause a great deal of concern, as the caretakers and vet team worry about possibility that this might be a case of EEHV – Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus – a deadly disease affecting elephants generally between one to twelve years of age. The team immediately took samples to test for the often-fatal illness. With further examination however, the veterinarians discovered an abscess causing facial swelling that they believed to be the root of the problems. Anti-inflammatory medications were given and the calf started showing signs of improvement within two days. And the sample that was taken earlier…came back negative for EEHV!

Also, in Mae Wang, the CMU van was called out for an elephant that had an abnormal gait due to a puncture in her foot. With the help of thermal imaging, the vet staff was able to see the injury site. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications along with a tetanus vaccine were administered to stop a potential infection.

Thermal-photography can be used with elephants to identify the location of infections, arthritis and other injuries, such as this puncture wound

While conducting health checks with the Department of Livestock Development in Mae Tang, the CMU team treated an elephant suffering from inflammation of the tissue surrounding the elephant’s tush (the term used for tusks in female elephants).

The area was painful and there was movement in the tush itself. In this case, the veterinarians prescribed antibiotics, pain relievers and additional supplements. Follow-up care was scheduled with the veterinarian in charge of this area after the CMU team provided her the immediate help she required.

The Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Clinic can respond to a variety of cases every single month, as called upon because of the generous support that AES donors provide.

We encourage you to lend a hand by clicking here to donate. We also have a small supply of Chang Vet Aid 2021 t-shirts still available for sale. Don’t miss out on this limited-edition shirt - sales of which benefit the work of the Thai veterinarians! To purchase a shirt and support the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic, click here!

Chiang Mai University’s Mobile Vet Clinic - July 2021 Update

An elephant showing signs of colic lays down to try to relieve pain associated with abdominal distention

Gastrointestinal issues, sometimes called colic, can be common but also life-threatening in elephants. In July the team with the Chiang Mai University Mobile Vet Unit had several such cases that required their immediate assistance.

Fluid therapy and pain relief is typically the first approach to helping with these issues, but in two of the cases that presented in July, more assistance was required. Enemas had to be performed by the vet team to remove the dry rough feces that was causing a blockage in the elephants. Skilled handling of the elephants by their mahouts allows for the doctors and nurses to safely perform this procedure on an elephant that is already in a lot of discomfort.

Fluid therapy and pain medication being provided.

Enema being performed for an elephant in Mae Wang

An elephant experiencing these issues can cause mahouts and veterinarians a lot of worry and distress. One incident in Mae Chaem proved especially worrisome. A vet nurse, under the direction of veterinarians, was deployed to assist in a bad case of colic. On the first day, fluids and pain medications were injected. The second day the elephant was observed eating and drinking a little.

Example of an over-sized fecal bolus passed by an elephant in Mae Wang

But by the third day the attending vet nurse reported the elephant still hadn’t passed any feces and concern over the elephant’s condition was growing. Two doctors from CMU and staff from the Thai Elephant Alliance Association (TEAA) set out immediately. As they were on the road, thankfully they received a call telling them that the elephant had finally passed a bolus of fecal matter. According to Dr. Khajohnpat – “After that voice ended, everyone calmed down. Our whole team of doctor, vet nurse and the owner of the elephant including the elephant itself, who should feel more comfortable.”

In these cases, the CMU Mobile Vet Unit always follows up to check in and advises on dietary changes that might help prevent these issues in the future. We are grateful for the care that the CMU Team and TEAA provides to elephants in need and to you for your support of their work to save elephant lives.

Support for Cambodia’s Last Captive Elephants & Their Mahouts

COVID-19 has had far reaching impacts across the world, and Cambodia is no exception. Tourism has been halted for well over a year and as there is no end in sight, Cambodian elephants and their caretakers are feeling the effects. With only 70 captive and 400-600 wild elephants remaining in Cambodia, protecting what is left of the population is the mission of Elephant Livelihood Initiative and Environment Organization (ELIE) and the Elephant Valley Project (EVP), a sanctuary for retired elephants in the Mondulkiri Province. Program manager, Jemma Bullock, and the rest of ELIE and EVP, have been working with the local communities and governments for over 15 years to protect the remaining habitats for the wild elephants, and make sure the captive elephants remain safe and healthy.

ELIE and EVP have historically used ecotourism as a main source of funding for their conservation efforts, community projects (which includes creating jobs and supporting local schools), mobile vet team, and elephant rehabilitation at EVP.

Eco-Tourism funded ELIE & EVP programs prior to 2020.

Unfortunately, like many other camps and sanctuaries across Asia, ecotourism has been eliminated as a source of funding due to the pandemic. Jemma predicts the impact of the pandemic will have far reaching consequences for Cambodia’s elephants, like increased poaching, deforestation, and land sales, since funding for protection of these things will be slim.

Mobile Vet Team treating a community elephant with a leg injury.

Fortunately for the Cambodian elephants and the communities, ELIE and EVP have reached out to AES for much needed aid to continue their efforts with their mobile vet team. ELIE supports the care of 11 elephants currently in the EVP sanctuary, as well as the elephants and mahouts around the whole Mondulkiri Province. Their vet team also responds to wild elephant emergencies and injuries around the province. AES has proudly funded $3,500 to ELIE and EVP to provide the salary for the veterinarian and veterinary assistant for six months, and for six months of medical and emergency elephant supplies.

(L-R) The Mobile Vet Team's Vet Assistant Chan and Vet Heir with an injured community elephant and his owner.

We will continue to update you on the progress of the ELIE and EVP efforts for the Cambodian elephants, both captive and wild. If you would like to support their boots-on-the-ground mission, please donate today.

Chiang Mai University’s Mobile Vet Clinic - June 2021 Update: Part Two

Since June was such a busy month for our veterinarians Dr. Khajohnpat Boonprasert and Dr. Siripat Khammersri and the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic team, our monthly report was split into two updates. We shared the first update in our July newsletter. And this month, we share more about their critical work to save elephants in Thailand.

The CMU Mobile Vet Team on their way to Mae La Noi area

We left off with our doctors visiting the Mae Wang district of Thailand. Then, on June 16, they traveled to the Mae La Noi area, thanks to the coordination from the Thai Elephant Alliance Association (TEAA). The vets were called to provide life saving support to a 5 yearold elephant who was suffering from diarrhea and lethargy.

After taking a history, a physical exam was performed and medication started being administered. It was discovered that the young elephant’s diarrhea was being caused by ingesting soil, which can happen when there is a shift in the elephant’s environment or after a change of seasons. After some time observing the youngster, he started eating and the vets were confident the diarrhea had subsided. Before leaving the village the next day, June 17, the doctors checked on the elephant one more time and gave the elephant’s owner some medication to continue treatment if necessary.

Their next stop was Mae Tang district on June 21. The vets were called by an owner to examine his elephant’s eye with a cloudy cornea. During eye exams, the doctors use fluorescein stain in order to be able to spot corneal lesions. This elephant’s cornea was deemed clear of lesions or ulcers, but they did discover a minor irritation to the conjunctiva. The doctors used eye drops to relieve the irritation and also provided some advice to the elephant owner.

Finally, on June 21, an owner in the Mae Sariang area needed the assistance of the CMU Team and the TEAA to transport an older elephant to the Elephant Hospital at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC) in Lampang.

The elephant is suffering from chronic arthritis due to continuous weight shifting among her hindlimbs and forelimbs. The TEAA provided a transport vehicle and the older elephant was successfully transported to the Hospital the following morning, after quite a difficult night. We hope to follow the progress of this elephant’s health in our next report from the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic and keep you posted in our September newsletter if possible.

As always, you can visit www.asianelephantsupport.org to show your support for our tireless veterinarians who continue to travel across Thailand helping our treasured elephants by making a donation. Your donations and fundraiser support over the last year has kept the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic running and has helped save the lives of numerous elephants in need. We thank you for your continuing contributions.

Chiang Mai University’s Mobile Vet Clinic - June 2021 Update

Doctors Khajohnpat and Siripat continued their diligent work for the elephants of Thailand in the month of June. Even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to seriously affect the region and the travel conditions remain treacherous, our CMU veterinarians’ dedication remains strong.

Fecal samples showed signs of improvement after treatment

June first had the doctors travelling to the area of Mae Wang. The doctors spent several days in that district tending to elephants with a variety of problems. June 2nd saw the veterinarians helping an elephant who wasn’t eating or drinking water, and had diarrhea which included dirt inside the feces. Treatments, which included activated charcoal and oral rehydration salt, began immediately. A few days later the elephant had fully recovered and was eating and acting normally.

Continuing in Mae Wang district, the team visited a camp with a mother elephant who was suffering from colic. At 4:00pm on June 4th, the vets started the mother on fluids and pain medications. They performed an enema, which revealed the elephant had dry, rough feces.

Mother receiving treatment, while calf stands under her head

After a day of treatment, the mother was still unable to pass feces on her own. The doctors continued to perform treatments, even with the mother’s calf by her side, and worked until 4:00pm on June 5th. To promote gastrointestinal activity and movement, the elephant was led by her mahout to the nearby river, and she finally passed the feces.

The next case in Mae Wang saw the veterinarians treating a young calf who had been bitten by a leech, and had been bleeding for six hours. After a call from the owner of the elephant, the veterinarians arrived at 8:00pm on June 9th and started treatments to stop the bleeding. Thankfully, the treatments were successful and the young elephant made a full recovery.


This was a busy month for the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic, so we will continue with more June updates in our next newsletter. In the meantime, visit the AES website to donate and support these essential efforts in providing critical care to our beloved Thailand elephants.

AES Board Holds Annual Meeting in Little Rock

AES Board of Directors - Tina Torres, Mindy Ussrey, Liz Beem & Linda Reifschneider 

On June 3-6, the Asian Elephant Support Board gathered in Little Rock, Arkansas for our annual in-person Directors Meeting. This was the first time since 2019 that Directors have been able to meet face-to-face due to the COVID-19 travel restrictions and the first ever in-person meeting for our newest Directors - Mindy Ussrey, Liz Beem and Tina Torres. The Little Rock Zoo extended their hospitality and offered their conference room and of course a visit with their Asian elephants, Sophie, Babe & Zina.

As travel is just beginning to get back to normal, AES was so happy to have the opportunity to visit a Zoo that has been a long-time supporter of our mission to care for and conserve Asian elephants. 

Asian elephants, Zina and Babe enjoying watermelon treats

Having missed a year, there was a lot to cover at the meeting, including renewing our focus on what it is that we do at AES, new and improved communication approaches, fundraising opportunities, ways to make the most from the generous support that we receive from donors, and so much more. While a lot of work was conducted during a very short period of time, the Directors had a chance to get acquainted, catch up and share stories about our love for all-things elephant while we were housemates at a lovely little bungalow in the heart of Little Rock for the weekend. And we did not miss the opportunity for some fun as well. After a great visit to the Zoo with behind the scenes visits with the elephants, black rhinos and black-footed penguins, the evening was spent at Riviera Maya where we shared a delightful dinner with Little Rock Zoo Staff.

While a lot of work was conducted during a very short period of time, the Directors had a chance to get acquainted, catch up and share stories about our love for all-things elephant while we were housemates at a lovely little bungalow in the heart of Little Rock for the weekend. And we did not miss the opportunity for some fun as well. After a great visit to the Zoo with behind the scenes visits with the elephants, black rhinos and black-footed penguins, the evening was spent at Riviera Maya where we shared a delightful dinner with Little Rock Zoo Staff. Also joining us for dinner was AES Advisor, Heidi Riddle and her daughter Tatiana. Heidi has been influential in guiding AES on many projects over the years and we were so happy to have her company. 

Many thanks to everyone at the Little Rock Zoo, including Syd Tanner, Fran Lyon and the Elephant Team including Kristin and fiancé Jeff, Johnny, Justin, Will and Chris for welcoming AES. 

The AES Board is excited to implement what we learned and worked on over the course of the weekend for the betterment of Asian elephants as we continue to work to fulfill our goals.

Chiang Mai University’s Mobile Vet Clinic - May 2021 Update

Even through a new surge of COVID 19 in Thailand, our friends with the Chiang Mai University’s Mobile Vet Clinic, Drs. Khajohnpat and Siripat, continued their most important visits to elephants in need throughout Thailand.

The month of May was spent mainly in the Mae Tang district. Their first case on May 9 was to conduct a blood transfusion from 2 elephants for a third elephant who was suffering from anemia. The transfusion was successful and the elephant that accepted the transfusion began to respond to treatment and appears to be recovering.

Left: Dr. Siripat with assistance from a Vet Nurse to collect blood from donor elephant,
Right: Elephant is receiving life-saving transfusion

On May 12 the doctors visited an elephant owner who was concerned about his elephant who was emaciated and had been losing weight over the course of a month. The veterinarians collected some secretions from the elephant’s trunk which tested positive for tuberculosis, a serious respiratory disease that affects humans and elephants. The doctors advised the elephant’s owner to monitor symptoms and to start planning for the very intense treatment for the disease. Unfortunately, 5 days later, the elephant passed away from the disease.

Critically ill elephant - while not all cases have happy endings, the veterinarians provide advise and care wherever needed

Critically ill elephant - while not all cases have happy endings, the veterinarians provide advise and care wherever needed

May 26, a national Thai holiday, found the doctors traveling to visit an elephant who was in abdominal distress. After examination, the veterinarians decided to administer fluids and pain relievers at about 2:30 in the afternoon. After this, they gave the elephant an enema and found dry, rough feces inside the elephant that was the probable cause of the distress. After inquiring with the owner further it was found that the elephant in question was stealing the other elephant’s hay overnight and consuming it.

The next day, the elephant still could not pass feces by herself. The doctors continued their fluids, pain relievers and enemas. Finally, by 8:00pm on May 27, the obstructive feces were pulled out and completely removed. The veterinarians suggested to the elephant owner that he begin chopping the grass he feeds to this elephant, and mixing it with water and supplements to prevent the consumption of dry food. They also suggest that the owner discontinue feeding older elephants hay, which can cause colic.

Although their job is not glamorous, and the endings are not always happy ones, the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic veterinarians and nurses continue their tireless work for the elephants of Thailand. To support their efforts, and efforts for elephants all across Asia, please visit our website www.asianelephantsupport.org to make a life saving donation.

AES supports our partner Dr. Mamatha Sathyanarayana and the Karnataka Forest Department to produce and deliver a series of online courses

Each year between the months of September and October, there is a Nadahabba or State Festival called Mysuru Dasara in Mysore, Karnataka, India. This 10-day festival dates back to the 15th century and is a Hindu celebration of the “victory of good over evil”. As part of tradition, an elephant procession occurs on the last day of the festival along with a parade of camels and horses. 

In lieu of the normal Mysuru Dasara festivities in 2020 (which were significantly reduced by concerns over spread of COVID-19), with AES support our partner Dr. Mamatha Sathyanarayana along with the Karnataka Forest Department took the opportunity to produce and deliver a series of online courses aimed at elephant education called the Mysuru Dasara Aanegalu.

Dr. Sathyanarayana (center) with a crew to film a presentation by a mahout

According to a 2019 survey, 22% of India’s population of Asian elephants live in the state of Karnataka and developing an awareness about the history of elephants in the region, teaching about the practical, ethical and best methods to train and care for elephants, as well as working on ways to control the rate of Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) are of great importance in the region.

Historically, 12 to 13 of the most highly-trained elephants living in regional elephant camps are selected to participate in the celebrations and the elephants and mahouts caring for these elephants were invited to share their skills and training practices with the students attending the program this year. The sharing of their knowledge as skilled and experienced mahouts is an important bridge to aid the students in developing an appreciation and understanding of elephants and elephant care in an area where Human-Elephant Conflict is a concern. 

Aside from the next generation learning about the modern, humane techniques that mahouts are using to care for elephants, this 10-day series was also an important avenue for mahouts to enhance their teaching and communication skills. A win-win situation for everyone involved.  

AES is proud to be a part of educational events that promote a peaceful coexistence with wildlife in all regions of Asia and develop the next generation of elephant caretakers and conservationists.

While concerns surrounding COVID-19 are still top of mind in India, we hope that a return to normal activities can resume soon.  We are thankful to be able to be a part of programs such as this that continue to aid in preserving the knowledge and hands-on work it takes to care for elephants and the history and importance of elephants in Indian culture. 

Top photo courtesy of karnatakatourism.org 

Chiang Mai University’s Mobile Vet Clinic - April 2021 Update

Dr. Siripat providing care to elephant during an annual visit

Dr. Khajohnpat and Dr. Siripat kept quite busy during the month of April in the Chiang Mai University’s Mobile Vet Clinic. The van, donated by AES in March 2019, has been taking the veterinarians across Thailand performing health checks and providing emergency medical care to elephants in need.

Dr. Khajohnpat advises owners on elephant care strategies

The doctors traveled to Huay Pak Kood, Mae Jam district from April 7-8, to make a visit to about 50 elephants they hadn’t seen in a year. They provided care to the elephants as well as spent time with mahouts and owners, discussing any issues they may have in order to keep their elephants healthy for the following year.

A tragic wind storm swept through the Mae Wang district on April 14, killing three elephants and leaving three injured from a fallen 100 year old tree. The veterinarians rushed to the area and helped treat the elephants in need.

Treating a severely injured elephant following the windstorm

Two injured elephants were transported to the Elephant Hospital at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center with the help of the Thai Elephant Alliance Association team of doctors. One injured elephant was not seriously hurt so she was treated and will be monitored further. After investigation of the area, it is believed the female elephants of the herd were surrounding a calf to protect him and keep him calm during the storm.

April 22 saw the CMU van travel to the Mae Tang district to help an elephant owner manage his bull elephant going into an early musth.

In Thai and English, sign reads: DANGER! No Entry; Elephant in musth

Their plan of sedating the male, securing him and walking him into his containment area was a success. By using the best safety protocols, the veterinarians were able to safely secure the bull with no injuries to the elephant or people.

April ended with the doctors heading to the Pai area to treat an elephant that was suffering from abdominal distension and diarrhea. Fluid therapy for rehydration, supplements and pain relief were administered immediately. While treating this elephant, another elephant with the same owner was showing colic symptoms.

Dr. Siripat with patient eating soaked food

After conversing with the owner, the cause of the colic was discovered – dry vegetation. The veterinarians suggested to the owner that he mix chopped grasses with water and supplements. The veterinarians decided to treat the elephants with activated charcoal and fluids with supplements and their condition improved within a few days.

We continue to be so proud of Dr. Khajohnpat, Dr. Siripat and the entire CMU Mobile Vet Clinic team and their tireless work to help Asian elephants all over Thailand. And we couldn’t have made it this far without your support! Stay tuned to future newsletters for continued updates and stories of their journeys. As always, please visit www.asianelephantsupport.org to make a donation to help keep our veterinarians going strong!

Asian Elephant Support thanks two departing Directors and welcomes a new Director

BARBARA DAVIS joined the AES Board in early 2015. Being a ‘horse woman’ vs. us, ‘elephant enthusiasts’, her perspective on so many decisions we had to make over the years truly helped keep us on a better path. Another talent Barbara gave generously of is her ability to develop creative text and graphics for so many of our fundraisers and other articles. AES President, Linda, met Barbara at a Jane Goodall lecture in St. Louis. Their common passion for all wildlife and wild places soon had Barbara volunteering for AES as well as traveling with Linda to Africa and domestic locations for fundraising events.

While Barbara needs more time for her horses and is leaving the Board effective June 2021, she will remain available to help us when needed and hopefully another trip somewhere, someday.

Barbara, thank you – from Linda and the AES Board, and from every elephant you have helped us help over all these years. Our best wishes and Trunks Up!

JANET DRAY was familiar with Asian Elephant Support’s work from her annual attendance at the Elephant Managers Association conferences. AES President, Linda got to know Janet from this venue and our shared passion for things elephant and Africa, led to a couple of awesome safaris during which Janet could not escape Linda’s necessary computer time and talk about ‘those other elephants’ – the Asian ones.

In January 2019 Janet joined the AES Board, helped with the CMU Mobile Vet Vehicle fundraiser and then traveled to Thailand for its dedication, as well as joining Linda at an EEHV Workshop in Houston. In Guwahati, India, Janet did a great job of covering for Linda, who had to cancel attending that workshop….and this was Janet’s first trip to India! When not traveling on behalf of AES, Janet did magic with our filing system and coordinated three fundraisers in her neck of the woods - Rochester, New York.

Although Janet found the need to leave the Board in January 2021, she continues to help AES as we focus on the care and conservation of Asian elephants in range countries.

Thank you, Janet. The AES Board sincerely appreciates all you have contributed to our efforts and wishes you all the best and, of course, Trunks Up!

Tina Torres joined us as the newest member of the AES Board in April, and we are so excited to have her and her talents on the team!

After meeting AES Director, Liz, more than a decade ago via mutual friends, Tina became a volunteer with the Elephant Program at the Santa Barbara Zoo. That kicked off a fascination and love for elephants that eventually took her to Kenya for conservation work and to see elephants in the wild.

Tina's love for animals and conservation runs deep. Besides her plethora of critters that she cares for at home, she is a regular volunteer for the Ojai Raptor Center which specializes in the rescue, rehabilitation and release of birds of prey and various small mammals, along with public education about how to protect and coexist with wild animals in our own backyards.

We look forward to tapping into Tina's skills as a web/graphic designer, marketing manager, talented writer and skilled mathematician on top of her passion for elephants and elephant conservation.

Welcome, Tina. The AES Board looks forward to all of your contributions!

March 2021 Update - CMU Mobile Vet Clinic

After a monumentally successful fundraiser - thanks to you, AES's amazing community of supporters - and being able to fully fund the salary for a second veterinarian, February and March saw the doctors with Chiang Mai University’s Center of Elephant and Wildlife Research Mobile Veterinary Clinic continuing their mission of providing veterinary care to Asian elephants all over Thailand. Using the AES donated van, the tireless veterinarians were able to traverse all sorts of terrain, including crossing a waterway to reach a remote forest village (Facebook users: click here to see the CMU van in action).

Their travels took them to the western border with Myanmar, and with the help of the Thai Elephant Alliance Association (TEAA), led by President Therrapat Trungprakan, the CMU van took a 6 hour drive, for the third time in a month, to help a 9 year old female elephant suffering from mouth burns. The elephant was roaming loosely, around a farm at night, away from her owner, and got into some bottles of farming chemicals. As elephants do, the elephant put those chemicals in her mouth, causing chemical burns. Thankfully the elephant, with guidance and help from the veterinarians, the TEAA team and the dedication of her owners and caretakers, was able to fully recover.

Photo courtesy of TEAA: Touching photo of an elephant owner, grateful for the care provided by the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic and TEAA

Specifically travelling to the districts of Om Koi, Mae La Mad and Ta Song Yang, Drs. Siripat and Khajohnpat, along with the CMU Elephant and Wildlife Research team, provided education to local elephant owners and villagers on the importance of wild elephants living in their natural forests. Up until this point, these areas did not have any issues with human-elephant conflict, however there are now conflicts among elephant owners and farmers where elephants are getting into local corn farmers’ plantations. The veterinarians also discussed elephant management, disease and ways to medically treat elephants. While in these remote areas educating, the doctors also visited and treated several sick elephants.

Dr. Siripat and the team with the CMU Mobile Vet Clinic providing essential education and tools to owners and caretakers

AES couldn’t be more proud to see the elephant success stories and the education Dr. Khajohnpat and Dr. Siripat are providing communities across Thailand.

HEC Workshop in Chalsa, Jalpaiguri District, West Bengal

We are pleased to support efforts promoting Human-Elephant Coexistence (HECx) with local communities who share space with wild elephants in India .

After a year’s delay due to the pandemic, an AES supported workshop was recently organized at Chalsa, Jalpaiguri District, West Bengal, by Zoo Outreach Organisation , in collaboration with SPOAR ( Society for Protecting Ophiofauna & Animal Rights ), Jalpaiguri.

Thirty two educators such as school and college teachers involved in wildlife conservation , nonprofit organization staff, research scholars interested in education, Forest Department staff, and individuals interested in wildlife took part in the three day program starting March 5th, 2021.

At the end of the workshop, participants divided into groups and provided awareness programs for villagers in high conflict areas.

A network of educators has been created and a series of programs has been planned in this area where human-elephant conflict is currently at its peak.

Trunks Up to our Friends at the Topeka Zoo!

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.

Trunks Up to our Friends at the Topeka Zoo!

Collaborating with Legislators in Aceh, Sumatra

Achieving the goal of elephant conservation requires a broad spectrum approach. Policy and regulatory frameworks are key aspects. AES supports the conservation of critically endangered elephants in Sumatra, Indonesia. The province of Aceh has the majority of remaining Sumatran elephants. A novel project started in 2014 and led by Wahdi Azmi targets legislators in Aceh and supports a Sustainable Development Caucus in the Aceh parliament. This Caucus has produced the first Aceh wildlife management law. Stakeholders in Aceh are continuing to follow up these new laws with the development of action plans for wildlife management.

Recently Wahdi Azmi, along with other individuals, received an award for his longtime dedication to Sumatran elephant conservation from the Director General of Biodiversity Conservation from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry.

Wild elephants in Aceh, protected by the work of Wahdi Azmi, and like-minded advocates for conservation

UPDATE! Orphan wild elephant calf rescue - Way Kambas

One year ago one of our field partners in Sumatra , the Elephant Response Unit (ERU) in Way Kambas National Park, found a very thin wild elephant calf roaming alone. To ensure the calf’s survival it was rescued by the ERU team who brought it to camp where their continued intensive care and medical treatments have helped the now 4 year old male calf heal. The calf, named Gading, is doing very well and his condition has greatly improved.

We are pleased to support emergency rescues by contributing to veterinary care and supplemental fodder for these orphans.

Interrim Report - An Innovative Partnership Program for Human-Elephant Coexistence and Forest Conservation in Aceh, Sumatera, Indonesia

The goal of this project is to ensure partnerships so that people sharing the Aceh landscape are able to live sustainably, coexist with elephants and other wildlife, and protect existing forests. In order to achieve the goal, the project adopts an innovative approach that allows interdisciplinary teams to contribute to the effort as opposed to purely conservation work. The project has established a new communication platform between legislative and executive agencies, and wider audiences through the development of the Aceh Sustainable Development Caucus.

Click on the image below or HERE to read the entire report.