Supporting Elephant Conservation

Asian elephants are officially classified as highly endangered. Throughout Asia, including Thailand, elephants are under threat of extinction and many elephants, both wild and domesticated suffer in appalling circumstances.

Tuskers has been involved with supporting elephants since 2002 when we came to Thailand with the intention of riding two elephants across the country. Initially we were just looking for some flippant adventure but this changed when we met an extraordinary Thai woman, Sangduen Chailert, better known throughout the elephant world as Lek. Lek runs the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai which is a sanctuary for domesticated elephants who have suffered in some way.

Inspired by Lek's work and example we decided to iuse our journey across Thailand to raise awareness of conservation issues. The Bringing the Elephants Home campaign enabled us to gain publicity for elephant conservation and more importantly save three elephants Max , Thai and Siam.

After returning to the UK in 2003 we helped set up EleAid , a charity to work to support Asian elephants. Since then through EleAid we have helped give 4 other elephants a new life at the Park, as well as providing elephant medical facilities, other assistance and conducting an international Asian elephant awareness campaign.

Tuskers is dedicated to continuing to help elephants, EleAid and the Nature Park.

We strongly urge everyone living or visiting Chiang Mai to visit the Park so you can see the elephants yourself and leran more about elephant conservation and Lek's work. You can find out details of day, short stays or her unique volunteer program at Lek's website.

If you want to know more please ask at the pub on your next visit.