Welcome to the world baby number 71

Welcome to the world number 71! This morning at 2am a big healthy baby girl was born to Buannoi. Baby is drinking well! This is Buannoi's third baby. Elestayers will remember she is the one who had the baby in The Last Mahout !

Rob Prugue story

Want to use this platform to formally apologize to Michelle, Ewa, Lexie, and everyone at Elephantstay. Today I allowed myself to get triggered by some tourist’s who walked into Elephantstay with an already closed mind about elephant rights. While I admittedly knew that I should let Lexie answer these bigot’s questions (true definition, intolerance of other views), I can’t stands no more (as per Popeye would say) and tore in.

I asked these western opinionated tourists if they had a cat or dog, and if so, is their home the animals natural habitat? “Ah, but they’re domesticated”, they foolishly responded. Well elephants have been domesticated for near 5,000 years; which is WAY longer than dogs.

They got annoyed, I guess for being challenged to a view contrary to their own. This is where my Latino temper kicked in. I said how dare they come to a different culture and impose their morals on a cutler older than theirs?!? Just because they eat Dim Sums on a Sunday at their local doesn’t mean they “understand” the eastern culture. But honestly, my getting emotionally angry was more a reflection of my bond with Jumpee. I felt their criticism, however intended, was one directed at my new BFF, Jumpee.

I guess it comes down to a simple question; do you think humans and animals can cohabitate? If no, then their questions were more for discourse than they were for seeking some sort of awareness. If yes, then spending even half a day at Elephantstay would show them just how much people DO care.

So while I will always have Jumpee’s back, I am sincere when I say I’m sorry to you all. I hope my temper didn’t cause anyone any shame nor harm.

Welcome back to Jenny Dickens

It is Welcome Back Wednesday and today we have a very special welcome back to Jenny Dickens who has come for the 19th time! Amazing support from a great friend! Thank you Jenny! Jenny loves to bring groups to Elephantstay through her Elephant Encounters group! Come on her next trip and enjoy looking after and learning about elephants! Rumruay is one lucky elephant having Jenny care for her!
I love coming here, the whole ethos of Elephantstay and the Foundation! It's like an extended family, both two and four legged...it's great to be part of the village, see the little elephants growing up, new babies in the village... the community spirit. I'll keep coming to support Thailand's 🐘 culture!! 

                     

Anzac Day

Today we had a small service for ANZAC Day. With John Simpson playing LAMENT on the bagpipes and Jos Muijtjens The Last Post. It was very moving.

Royal Elephant Kraal Restoration 2018

The Royal Elephant Kraal is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is need of restoration. Today Pi Om and the Mor Chang from Surin and Chaiyaphum as well as dignitaries and directors of the Fine Art Department conducted a ceremony to commemorate and begin the restoration. It is vital to recognize and understand the significance of the site and its unique place in Thailand's history and elephant culture.

 

New staff Tegan

Jumbo welcome to our newest staff member Tegan Thacker. Tegan has extensive wildlife rehab experience and most recently worked at Australia Zoo educating visitors on animal welfare and conservation. We are excited to have Tegan join our team and Elephantstay family.

Visit St. Stephen International School

We had a great time meeting the kids and talking about Elephants on Monday at St Stephens International School. Their enthusiasm was wonderful. 
Jumbo thanks for your hard work raising 20,000 baht for the eles!

New staff

Meet Leanne, our new Program Operations Officer. We are excited to have Leanne come on board and help look after our many Elephantstayers. Leanne has extensive zoo keeping and animal experience so don't be afraid to ask her lots of questions. Let's all welcome Leanne!

This week Jintara in the spotlight

Let  me introduce our most recent addition to the Elephantstay herd....Jintara.

Jintara (which means "most beautiful girl") is the newest addition to elephantstay, she has been in our program for some 6 months now and is settling in well. 

One of her most defining features is her beautiful big grey-blue eyes that she flashes at our guests to try and encourage some extra treats (which usually works). 

She is also the youngest member of our group of elephants and one of the smallest elephants in our program, being dwarfed by Rosukon when she stands beside her. This however doesn't stop her from making a big presence and she has a lot of personality, love and affection that she shares with our guests every day. 

Be sure to follow more on Jintara this week!

Soiselee the artist!

Soi the artist on her new paintings!
View our new slideshow now on:
www.youtube.com//royalelephantkraal

FOR THE LOVE OF ELEPHANTS

Wow! Check out this fantastic book For the Love of Elephants. You can purchase a copy at www.poshdogpublishing.com   Jumbo thanks to Suzanne McCourt and Peter Derrett in their amazing work in getting this book made to benefit Elephantstay!