Thailand's captive elephants are facing food shortages and an uncertain future as Covid-19 has forced camp closures throughout the country. Without tourists and income, the scramble to feed them highlights the shortcomings of the kingdom's captive elephant care system
Lek Chailert’s team had just finished their new skywalk at the elephant rescue and rehabilitation centre when disaster struck.
As the founder of Save Elephant Foundation, which runs the Elephant Nature Park near Thailand’s northern tourist hub of Chiang Mai, Lek could never have envisaged how the microscopic novel coronavirus – cause of the Covid-19 pandemic – could wreak havoc on the giant animals in her care.
Thailand is in its driest season, blighted by forest fires and hazardous air quality. The parched vegetation is unsuited to elephants, which means food must be bought from external suppliers, adding to the financial burden. Many owners can only afford the basics.
As tourist attractions buckle under financial pressure, some are forced to relinquish their elephants. This is already happening, Lek said, adding that Save Elephant Foundation recently accepted three elephants into its care from a nearby attraction that had closed.
However, sanctuaries have limited space for homeless elephants.
It is not simply a question of whether the elephants can get enough to eat … The quality of their food will have an impact on their health over time
Chatchote Thitaram
This article was written by Carolyn Cowan
To read the full article, please click on the following link: https://southeastasiaglobe.com/thailand-elephants-tourism/
2113.067 SRY