The Thai Side of Think Elephants

   The Thai Side of Think Elephants

We keep pinching ourselves. Are we really on a sponsored educational field trip to Thailand where we get to work with Asian Elephants? We have had enough time here to have the initial awe wear off, but the notion that we are in the midst of an amazing experience has not faded.
If you have been reading the volunteer and research assistant profiles, you might have noticed that this type of lifestyle can become habit forming. Almost all of the other Earthwatch volunteers are repeat participants. They keep coming back for more, and they scour the expeditions offered like some might look through cruise catologs.
When Connie and I shared with them how impressed we have been with the expedition we have been told that we choose an outstanding program, one of the best. When I asked what made it the best, there were a variety of responses, including the tri mission of research, conservation, and education. Also, this non profit is not only passionate about elephants but is willing to try a multitude of ways to ensure their survival. We are fortunate as volunteers to get to see the Thai's at work and protecting their elephants.
Here is a snap shot of different folks I was able to interview (there was a significant language barrier so the depth is missing, but hopefully you will get the idea.)
Ou: Ou just started officially working for Thing Elephants International this May. She is from a different region of Thailand, and originally planned on studying biology at the university. While at university, she took a few classes from Dr. Plotnick (the founder of TEI) and decided to focus her studies on Conversation. She currently helps with all aspects of TEI and plays a large role in the education programs with Thai school children.
Pi Lo: LaKang's Mahout
All of the elephants at the GTAEF site have their own personal mahout. Mahouts are typically born into a culture of caring for elephants. Sons and daughters will work beside their parents (typically fathers) from a very young age. Lo began learning to work with elephants when he was just six years old. As boys become old enough to have their own elephant, they look for an elephant that needs a mahout. Almost all of the elephants at GTAEF are rescued from unemployment, street begging and elephant shows. LaKang was found two years ago with very damaged feet, poor trunk dexterity and very afraid of people and cars. Pi Lo decided to take a chance on her anyway. He is described as the most patient and loving of mahouts. He rarely caries tools to control LaKang and he gets visibly excited, like a proud parent, when she does a task well.
Gay: Vet technician for GTAEF
Gay knew that she wanted to work with animals when she grew up. She started her work with goats and pigs. At some point she was introduced to Dr. Cherry, the head Vet for GTAEF and began apprenticing under her to learn how to care for elephants. She regularly checks on each of the elephants and spends a great deal of time taking care of their feet. She jokes that she gives the elephants regular pedicures.
Kuhn Tomtem: Field research manager (this information is straight from the Earthwatch Briefing)
She has a bachelor's degree in elementary education, and two master's degrees from Chaing Mai University and Sophia University in Italy. As a former primary school teacher who has developed extensive educational activites for northern Thai children, TomTem is very involved in TEI' education outreach program.