~

LAMPANG, Thailand
Thai Elephant Hurt by Mine Gets Artificial Leg
By APICHART WEERAWONG, Associated Press Writer – Aug. 15, 2009
Motola, a female elephant who stepped on a land mine 10 years ago and endured painful operations, was fitted Saturday in Thailand for a permanent artificial leg.
The 48-year-old pachyderm became a symbol of the plight of today's elephants, and her injury sparked international sympathy and donations.
Experts were making a cast of her injured left front leg for a plastic prosthetic limb which will be attached later Saturday.
"I do hope she will accept the new leg. It would be wonderful to see Motola and Baby Mosha walking together side-by-side," said Soraida Salwala,
secretary general of the Friends of the Asian Elephant, a non-governmental group.
Mosha, also a land mine victim, became the world's first elephant with an artificial leg, attached in 2007.
Soraida said Mosha, now a 3-year-old, is faring well and has outgrown three of her prosthetic devices.

Mosha Update 8/15/09

The Eyes of Thailand Updates
and Friends of the Asian Elephant
Motala and Mosha
Motala will receive first prosthetic leg 10 years after stepping on a landmine
Tomorrow (August 13, 2009)
I head to FAE in Lampang to begin filming the preparations for the prosthesis fittings this weekend.
August 15th, 2009
Today was one of those days I am reminded why I am a documentary filmmaker.
I arrived at FAE a little before 9am and Mosha’s 3rd prosthetic fitting was already underway
P.S. I will be filming in Thailand until August 24, 2009.
If you’d like to make a tax-deductible contribution to help fund the production,
please click here to donate through the film’s fiscal sponsor, The San Francisco Film Society.
Thank you!
Please stay tuned for more updates!
Sincerely,
Windy Borman
Producer, Writer, Director, The Eyes of Thailand

Motala
August 1, 2009
Everyone is excited, we have to prepare the place for this big event.
Tents, equipments, tables for machine, electric fans, electricity should not go out during the process,
more soil to pave the ground so the container truck could be parked next to the Resting Unit to unload the heavy machines.
The baby infirmary next to Motala will be used for the doctors and technicians.
I had the constructor in yesterday to extend the roof at the infirmary. I shall send photos while the work is in progress.
Everything should be ready by next Sunday. It is breaking news here in Thailand.
I do not know if Motala will accept it but I am hopeful and pray a lot for the succcess.
I want to see her walk on four legs.
When I saw her trying to walk to Kamchan the other day, I thought "Oh dear, if only you had your lost leg!"
Soraida

MOTALA IS SCHEDULED FOR THE PROSTHETIC LEG
Date: 7/31/2009
MOTALA PROSTHETIC LEG IS DUE TO BE MADE ON 15th-16th AUGUST, 2009
Motala, the female elephant who stepped on a landmine across Thai border on 15th August, 1999 and has been treated, operated at FAE’s Elephant Hospital from the 18th August, 1999 and the operation on her right shattered leg on the 28th August, ten days after her arrival was successful. The artificial leg we had planned for her before the operation could not be made due to the problems of her wounds that healed rather slowly.
It has been ten years now but all these long years Motala enjoys a happy life and walks out of her shelter for a sun bath. We are very happy that the day Motala will be fitted with the prosthetic leg is two weeks away. Thanks to all concerned, individuals, well wishers and donors, contributors across the country and around the world who keep sending their concern for her. Thanks especially for the team of Asso. Prof. Therdchai Jivacate from the Prostheses Foundation who dedicate their time and efforts to make it possible for BABY MOSHA, AND NOW MOTALA.

THE DREAMS HAVE COME TRUE!
You are cordially invited to come and witness the process and please let everyone you know learn of this good news!
Thank you.
Miss Soraida Salwala
Founder & Secretary General
Friends of the Asian Elephant
Direct Mobile : 081-936-3500, 081-838-1356
For more Info please call:
Dr. Preecha Phuangkam : 081-936-3681
Director of FAE’s Elephant Hospital
295 Moo 6, Lampang-Chiangmai Road (k.m.28-29)
Viengtan, Hangchatr, Lampang 52190
Thailand

~

Here it comes again, good & bad news about elephants.
Soraida
Subject: Elephant news from Bangkok Post
City Hall buys partially blind elephant
Writer: SUPOJ WANCHAROEN
Published: 11/08/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: News
Bangkok Post

Public donations have allowed City Hall to buy a partially blind 30-year-old elephant found begging for food on Bangkok's streets.
Pung Bua Kham will be sent to the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang as part of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's "Smiling Elephants" project. The project is aimed at rescuing all elephants roaming the streets of Bangkok within one year.
Donations are being collected from the public to buy the beasts from their owners and transport them to the state-run elephant shelter. The campaign was launched on Aug 3. Pung Bua Kham's owner agreed to sell the female elephant to City Hall for 300,000 baht. Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said 800,000 baht was raised in just over a week. Many more elephant owners have now come forward to ask about selling their beasts, said Deputy Governor Thirachon Manomaiphiboon.
He said the BMA would continue to buy the animals and was asking for donations to be made through Krungthai Bank account No.088-0-03418-1.
Meanwhile, a five-year-old female elephant died from electrocution yesterday in Chon Buri's Muang district. Mahout Kittinan Sala-ngam said he was walking along a local road under repair with Nong Nat when the elephant stepped on a metal pipe housing electrical wires. The animal fell to the ground, went into convulsions and died about 10 minutes later.

~

FAE Updates from Soraida
Posted Aug. 2009

Kamchan who has been treated for cataract is going back. Her eye is clear now. We are all very happy!

Namfon
She is not growing and that makes me so worried.

Somsri
Somsri who went back last month has come back. She arrived at six p.m. with the same symptoms.
(bloat)

Thongkaew
Her condition remains the same.
(swollen temporal glands)

Mosha
Site of Mosha's New Infirmary is next to Motala

~

The Last Elephants in Thailand
7/30/2009
"Soraida, I wanted to bring you up to date with our activities.
Here is our new web site and Facebook page.
Don

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Namfon...7.12.09
Namfon's growth since her birth on 26th April, 2009 is quite disappointing and most worrying. Her height at birth was 92 cm. now only 94 cm. Body length 98 cm., now 114 cm. Chest 116 cm, now only 122 cm. Trunk 38, now 42. Tail 62, now the same. Front feet 49, now 50. Back feet 45, now 46.   Although she drinks approx. 20-21 liters of milk each day, she does not grow fast as any other baby elephant. Her digestion is still poor but she walks around, plays, makes a lot of noise when she is hungry. This is the only thing we are happy about.
Soraida

~

6/26/09
Somsri will be going back to her owner.
Soraida

~

6/19/2009
Another year has passed by, sick elephants have been treated and new babies have been born. Some died.
Every year we hold rites for them, remembering all of them in our prayers, blessings for the ones being treated and to all FAE staff.
We have gone through a tough year. Blessings are for our supporters too.
All the very best to all of you out there.
Soraida

~

FAE Update
Date: 6/19/2009
Mosha's prosthetic leg had been taken to the workshop for a day to change the aluminum center piece to stainless.

Tom and Nueng from The Prosthesis Foundation have come to return the leg to Mosha.
Mosha is happy to receive her leg back and thanks her good friends.

Mosha with Tom and Nueng from The Prosthesis Foundation.

Thank you to Tom and Nueng and the whole team. Mosha has grown a lot and everyone is happy to see her.
Soraida

As for Namfon, we decided not to have the wet nurse back because she cares for her baby but not Namfon.
My former plan was to have only the mother whose baby had just weaned off.
However, since Namfon now has more hope and with Mosha nearby, we shall do all our best.

6/17/09
Kamchan, 47 years old female has arrived. She has had a swollen left leg and a cloudy left eye for the past three days.

The other patients are the same.
Soraida Salwala
Founder
Friends of the Asian Elephant
(FAE)
Elephant-Soraida.com
FAE Updates Page 3
EyesofThailand.com/blog

~

Namfon
6/15/2009
Namfon's body is filling out. She starts to climb the fence and is more lively. Our vets have more hope.
They work in shifts because Namfon has to be fed hourly. Thanks to them.
Hang in there, Namfon! Many people are praying for you!
Soraida Salwala

Please take a minute to Light A Candle for
Namfon

~

The Prostheses Foundation has come to readjust the height of the prosthetic leg for Mosha today.
Soraida 6/10/2009

The team from The Prosthesis Foundation came to re-adjust Mosha's prosthetic leg and foot pad.
Soraida 10 June 2009

~

New Patient: Somsri
6.8.09
A new patient, Somsri, 35 years old female, who suffered from bloat and came to be treated at our hospital last year, has arrived. She has the same symptoms as Kamnoi (who had convulsion) and we are very much worried. Information given to us is quite worrisome because Somsri was chained in the same area Kamnoi was. However, Somsri is going to be given antibiotics and anti-toxin, blood sample to be sent for any toxic or chemicals. She walks fast and head pushing forward just like Kamnoi. The keeper says she has been in this condition for the past 15 days!!!!!! Fifteen days! They should have not waited this long.

 
Dr. Preecha is back from Surin and with Dr. Kay, they are trying to save three lives at one time.
Please light the candles for Namfon, Thongkeaw and Somsri, thank you.
Soraida
Soraida, When you get elephants that are bloated...what is the cause? jj 9/27/2008
The four patients who came with the symptom of stomach bloat have all gone back to their owners, same tourist camp. The causes vary: some eat grasses that are too dry or too young, the elephant keepers give them food in bulk and not in portions because they do not want to get up to feed the elephants at night so the elephants eat all the food piled in front of them at the same time and not every one or two hours, some of the grass the eat has been contaminated by pesticides (either intentionally or unintentionally). The problems with the neighbours who are angry because the elephants forage in their farm land and so on. When the weather changes from warm to cold, it also affects the elephants’ digestion.
Soraida

~

New Patient: Thongkeaw
A female elephant named Thongkeaw, age: 30 years old has arrived before sun set today (6 June 2009).
Both of her temporal glands have been swollen for the past three months, sizes : 16 x 16 c.m. and 18 x 19 c.m.
No sign of musth shown but the skin on the gland is thinning. At least she has come into our care and we shall do our best, as always.
Soraida Salwala

~

Mosha's Resting Rail
6/5/09
I have the railing for Mosha to place her right leg on so her other legs can rest and the weight will not harm her hind legs.

Mosha's Adjusted Leg
Mosha has grown taller and her prosthetic leg has been adjusted to make her front two legs the same height.

~

Namfon
6.5.09
Chai, Namfon's keeper is taking care of her as he would his own baby. See how Namfon sleeps on his lap.
We still have Wonderful people in this world.
Soraida Salwala

June 5, 2009
Re: Namfon
Today around mid morning I walked to see how Namfon was but she was
sound asleep on the mattress. I walked down smiling because what I saw
was such a warm sight. The keeper, Chai was there sleeping too on
another mattress but his head was close to Namfon's head touching
it as if he was trying to make Namfon feel secured that he is there
looking after her. Big thanks to Chai.
I am so sorry my phone camera is out of order or I would have sent pictures.
  Re: Mosha
She has grown taller and her prosthetic leg is being made to make her
front two legs on the same level. I have the railing for Mosha to
place her right leg on so other legs can rest and the weight will not
harm her two hind legs.
Soraida Salwala
Founder
Friends of the Asian Elephant
(FAE)
www.elephant-soraida.com
https://animom.tripod.com/faepage3.html

~

Elephant Conservation and FAE Work
I stand on the left with the walking stick, the other photos show me seated while talking on the subject of Elephant Conservation and FAE work.
Ideas Talks was filmed on the 19th May, 2009 to be aired on www.ideas.in.th but I do not know when.
The Prime Minister stands in the middle.
Soraida
flickr.com/photos/isriya

~

5/25/09
Rainy Season brings fresh air but bugs, insects and uninvited guests too.
We have just found a python next to Mosha's Infirmary. Put it in a sack and shall release it in the forest tomorrow.
Although not poisonous but the size as big as a man's leg is too dangerous to be near.
It is 9.40 p.m. now and the electricity has gone off again. Wind and rain. Hope there will be no more damage.
Soraida

~

The Rehabilitation Units/Tahnee, Ekhe and Auan
FAE 5/25/2009

~

Mosha

~

Namfon

Namfon in poor condition

Namfon being urged to drink, May 24, 2009

Wet nurse and baby, May 24, 2009

5.18.09
Wet Nurse Boonthong and her baby, Peamai (means new year because he was born on the new year day) have arrived safely at almost 7.00 p.m.
We shall introduce them to Namfon tomorrow.
I am praying hard that both the mother and her baby would accept Namfon. I am worried about the male baby whether he would be possessive of his mother.
We are doing our best for Namfon as well as all the other elephants.
Soraida Salwala

5.18.09
Boonthong the WET NURSE for Namfon will be arriving this evening with her own baby
who has not been parted but already weaned off to give Namfon company while her mother will be the wet nurse.
Thanks to Mr. Teerapat the owner of Patara Farm, the elephant tourist camp, who has allowed Boonthong and her baby to come.
We are hopeful and pray that Boonthong will adopt Namfon and feed her and that her own baby would not object to it.
Thank you for your kind support,
Soraida

Boonthong
Date: 5/17/2009
The Wet Nurse's name is Boonthong, she is 28 yrs old.
Soraida

Please light a candle for Boonthong

A Wet-Nurse for Baby Namfon has been found!
Date: 5/16/2009
Since birth, three weeks ago, Baby Namfon has not gained weight and upon my request to the owner and camp owner,
a mother elephant (whose baby has just weaned)
has been found in another camp.
She will be Namfon's wet nurse. The owner of Namfon will transport the Wet-Nurse to us as soon as possible.
Pray she would adopt Namfon as her own and nurses the baby with her natural milk.
Soraida Salwala

Please light a candle for Baby Namfon

Namfon Update 4th May, 2009
Namfon being fed.
She has not gained weight and the hip bones are showing although she is fed with a lot of milk daily.

~

2nd May, 2009
Soraida presented with the painting of Mosha in the forest.
The presenter is the Managing Director of New City Co., Ltd. the producer of Cherilon.

Cherilon has helped the Protheses Foundation in producing big size stockings for Mosha. The jumbo size stockings were used in the process of making the prosthetic leg, the moulding which needs special fabrics. The human prosthetic legs colour and Mosha's look so natural because of these stockings, natural, grey, black, etc. Motala's is to be the next elephant whom Cherilon will contribute to.
Soraida

~

Update 5/3/2009
Plai Noi has just left an hour ago, going back to his owner where he works in the tourist camp.
Jokia left a month ago.

~

Walk with Cherilon
Yesterday, an event called "Walk with Cherilon"
held a fashion show of their stockings with an exhibition of Mosha and a VDO of how she walks and been fitted with the prosthetic leg.
She is loved by all and FAE appreciates it.

Cherilon Stockings contributes big stockings for the use in making Baby Mosha's Prosthetic Leg to the Prostheses Foundation on 2nd May, 2009.
Photo shows Soraida standing next to Baby Mosha Replica (flowers made from stockings).
Paintings of Mosha were in contest and the winner's will be screened on t-shirts. Proceeds are to help Mosha.

~

After the storm
5/1/2009
Rains have the trees at their best.
Do you see Motala?

~

Namfon 4/30/09

Boonpan will go back soon since she has completely abandoned her baby Namfon. Poor Baby!

Boonpan delivers Namfron
'Namfon' meaning rain water because she was born after the storm.
26th April, 2009

 
Namfon fed with the her mother's milk by syringe ball because Boonpan, her mother rejected her

4/27/09
We have faced a real problem, Boonpan refuses to nurse her baby trying to hurt (or kill) at every chance.
Dr. Preecha gave her injections to calm down so we could sqeeze the collestrum from her to feed 'Namfon' (meaning rain water because she was born after the storm)
until now we have to feed her with milk from milk powder. We tried to persuade Boonpan to recognize her own baby but her behaviour this morning was the intention to kill. They have to stay in different Infirmaries away from each other. It might take days or weeks and if Boonpan completely rejects her we have to feed Namfon with powdered milk for the next two years.
Boonpan killed her first offspring and this is her second. We would not risk the baby's life and shall do our best to make the two happy.

Boonpan gave birth to a healthy female baby at 2.30 p.m. on Sunday 26th April, 2009

We moved Boonpan into the Nursery because the sun light was too strong.

Boonpan April 25, 2009
Boonpan has been in labour since 3:00 a.m. today,

~

Storm 4/25/2009
Our National TV warned us at three p.m. about the storm and I alerted Dr. Kay to tell everyone but within seconds the storm hit us.
I was closing windows and it helped me close all of them, such strength.
Boonpan was standing in the middle of it but we managed to walk her into the nursery. No electricity and with the baby due, we are all in chaos.
The exhibition and souvenirs, vet house damaged, trees and the electrical post outside was dangling.
Soraida

~

30 Apr 2009
Tademae has reached Chiangmai

Tademae 23rd April, 2009

"The owner of TADEMAE arrived late afternoon today and I had a long talk with him. I asked him if Tademae refused again to go on the truck what he would do.
"Walk him back", he replied. “And where can he drink and eat, it would take at least three days”, I asked. He was silent and said he had not thought about it.
So, I set plan A, the truck and if he refused to go on it, we had to stop and they should stay at FAE until plan B tomorrow.
Of course, TADEMAE outsmarted everyone, tranquilizer did not let him change his mind not to go on the truck ever again.
The owner wanted my Plan B today instead of tomorrow, all right, so I ordered food for TADEMAE to be put on the owner’s pick-up truck,
a tank with clean water for him to drink, food for the six persons (sticky rice, fried pork, omelette in individual plastic bags,
so they could have their dinner easily) before they would pass the big mountain.
The route was planned earlier, villages to villages, the villagers will be more than glad to help to let them sleep near the village en route but they have to avoid traffic and hot highway.
I talked to Tademae, promising him I would visit him as soon as I could. He blinked his eyelids as if to say “Thank You”, I saw a tear drop when he passed and walked away along the small road of our hospital, out of sight……..but never out of my mind.
So long, TADEMAE! Bon Voyage!
With tears,
Soraida
FAE
23rd April, 2009

(pictures are mouse-over-able)

~

4/22/09
"I was astounded to hear that the owner of Ta-de-Mae,
not the camp owner, will walk him back home today.
I am opposed because in this 42c it is impossible.
Both man and elephant would suffer from heat stroke.
He then decides to walk during the night, that is also dangerous.
The elephant might be hit by trucks or cars en route.
I am so upset, please look at Ta-de-Mae, he is happy."
Soraida

Ta-de-Mae Update
4/22/2009
"I am glad he will be here with us. He has enough food to eat and water to drink.
When I learned he fainted, I knew he must have not enough to eat and shade from the hot sun.
Lampang is the hottest spot now, esp. here 42C."
Soraida
4/21/2009
"The truck arrived an hour ago to transport Ta-de-Mae back but he refused to go on the truck.
He did a big protest and lied down on the ground so we decided to let him stay on and probably will have to walk him back
because he is scared of getting on a truck.
Dr. Preecha does not wish to give him tranquilizer because the weather is very hot and it might cause an unpleasant outcome.
So, Ta-de-Mae will stay with us until he is ready to go."
Soraida
Ta-de-Mae, a Mahkna (tuskless elephant) who fainted three times from exhaustion.

~

Tahnee 25th April, 2009
Tahnee refuses to eat or drink, again.

TAHNEE
4/23/09
After the whole day work to revive Tahnee, we have succeeded even though I am still worried because she has difficulty walking but she finally eats and drinks.
From nine to five, we gave her 30 litres of D10S and vitamin and injections.
She kept opening her mouth as a sigh of pain and we clearly saw her stomach area moving as if the intestines are twisting.
Soraida

Tahnee 4/21/09
Beautiful Tahnee is a permanent resident of
FAE/Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital

"Tahnee arrived fourteen years ago from pregnancy and the illegal logger wanted to sell her.
FAE, with the help from the public donation bought her from him for fear he might sell the baby once Tahnee delivered.
But time had proved it was a false pregnancy and we have saved her from the abusive and tough work.
Although the ID card says she was only 21 years when we bought her back in 1995, we think she is older than that.
Tahnee has chronic anemia and since yesterday (21 April 2009) she has shown sign of abdominal pains, opening her mouth.
Today we will continue to give her injections and fluids. Her diets have changed to chopped grass to lessen the indigestion.
She is aging a lot more, her kidneys (not liver) are not functioning well.
We are doing our best to lessen her pain."
Soraida Salwala

4/20/09
"Tahnee showed sign of abdominal pain so we walked her to unit 3
but she could not walk longer so I led her to the resting unit.
Intravenous, injections are being given.
Twenty third bottle of D10S and B being given at 3.00 p.m.
All will be thirty litres, now the 23rd is being given to Tahnee.
Very sweet of Motala to look on to Tahnee for eight hours to cheer her up
and only lay down twice for a short while during those long hours.
Tahnee wants to walk up to greet Motala too".
Soraida Salwala

Tahnee 2008

~

The Elephant Conservation Center blocks road to FAE, Again

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Sad News: New Baby Patient on her way to FAE
4/20/2009
We were informed at four p.m. that a five year old elephant had severe diarrhea and they would transport her to us.
The Baby was on the truck only forty kilometers away from FAE's Elephant Hospital when she died just now at 8.50 p.m.
We are deeply sorry for this great loss. Another candle will be lit. May she join the others in heaven above and be happy among her friends.
Soraida Salwala
Founder
Friends of the Asian Elephant

MOSHA
4 April 2009
"When Mosha walks I have noticed something is wrong on Mosha's right hind leg. She has no pain, no swelling but it is as if her weight makes it difficult for her knee to hold. I shall try to send the VDO clip later. The X-ray is scheduled this afternoon. I am preparing myself, the vets and the staff for the worst (if Mosha's legs could no longer bear her weight), she would not be able to stand. For the past few days Mosha has some difficulties standing up. Poor Baby! How she loves to walk, to run, to climb the fenced area to show the strength she has but she does not know what is happening. She sees other elephants come and go but Granny Tanthong is always there, Palahdee is there , Mother is always there for her, comforting her.
She loves to see people visiting her, talking to her. She is a happy baby, loved by all. We shall do our best, please join us to pray for Mosha that she will grow and survive. She fought for her life when she was seven months old. She is now almost four and may we pray she will enjoy more years of happy life with us, Friends of the Asian Elephant.
Please forward to as many people as you can.
FAE needs support so we could help, not only Mosha but other unfortunate elephants too.
Thank you very much.
Soraida Salwala

~

Two Sick Elephants Arrive
13th April, 2009
The unrest and chaotic situation in Thailand has caused difficulties in transporting sick elephants to FAE's Elephant Hospital in Lampang. The protesters have blocked the highways on Lampang-Chiangmai Road. One elephant was coming from Chiangmai and the other one from south of Lampang, two different directions. There are blockades on both highways. The good policemen had kindly advised the other routes and the truck transporting one elephant had flat tyre from the rough track they took to avoid the protesters on the highway. However, both elephants arrived at 2 this morning, six hours behind schedule but both the elephants and the truck drivers and elephant keepers are safe. Thanks to the police for their kind hearts. I was ready to go to the protesters' blockade points on the highway if the protesters did not allow the trucks transporting them to pass. We had called them to warn them of the blockades and lucky the police helped to instruct the other routes, though rough ones.
Hope the situation would resume peaceful and Land of Smiles back to Thailand soon.
Soraida

Two Sick Elephants
Plai Noi injured by attacks from another tusker.
Ta-de-Mae, a Mahkna (tuskless elephant) who fainted three times from exhaustion

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FAE Update Plai Thongdee 4/1/2009
The truck and Thongdee's owners came to transport him back. The truck left at 9.20 p.m. Thongdee did not see that Jokia looked on and Baby Mosha whimpered as if she was protesting another uncle going away again and rushed to her playground near Tanthong. Granny Tanthong rumbled and Mosha responded. May be she was comforting Mosha "We are your family, and we will never leave you". Thank you Tanthong for being here for Mosha.
Soraida

FAE New Patient Plai Thongdee, 45 years old 3/3/2009
New Patient arrived yesterday the 3rd of March, 2009. Dr. Preecha had gone to see him in the forest on emergency call on the 2nd, the owner found him unconcious. Dr. Preecha and Charan quickly left, it was over 140 kilometers away but deep in the forest for another long way. Dr. Preecha gave him intravenous, 23 litres in all and instructed the owner to take the elephant to our hospital. It was told that the elephant was left in the forest to forage for food during dry season and was attacked by another bull apparently in musth. No wounds but he is suffering from severe pains, so all the medicines, injections have been given and pray that he does not have any broken bones. More details will follow... Dry season in Thailand is getting worse, no water in some areas while it rains heavily in others. In April, the temperature at our hospital will rise to 44-45 celcius. At the moment smokes are harming everyone from so-called forest fires. Most of these fires are caused by humans. If they cared for the others as well as themselves, this world would be a better place to live.
Soraida

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Jokia Update
31st March, 2009
"This morning at five a.m. Jokia cried so I went up to see and found she was hungry. After being fed with chopped grasses, Jokia cries no more. If you could recall, Jokia is blind on one eye. She showed sign of abdominal pain, opened her mouth and restless so the owner decided to send her to our hospital. I was told months ago that she was pregnant but we need to confirm that later after the tests and signs of maternity".
Soraida Salwala
FAE

Jokia Update
3/30/2009
"Jokia who gave birth to a very lovely baby elephant which we named BB many years ago,
has fallen ill. We expect Jokia to arrive here around 10 p.m. tonight."
Soraida

From: Soraida Salwala [FAE]
Date: 3/14/2004
Baby elephant at FAE's Elephant Hospital
BB & her mom, Jokia

~

FAE Update 3/26/09
King Cobra 3.5 meters weighed 6 kg. found after FAE reported to the police
After FAE reported to the police on Wednesday 24th of March, 2009 that our sign which says 'We are not part of the Elephant Centre', was damaged, a new sign was delivered to FAE's Elephant Hospital by the staff of the Centre within 24 hours after the complaint. Today at 7.15 p.m. our staff found the snake and one rushed to get the gun and I got the pistol. The snake was shot dead. Five elephants are in that area including the four permanant residents, Motala, Tahnee, Auan, Ekhe and an expecting mother elephant, Boonton. We do hope that these foul plays would cease. Please help, the whole world should know this. If they want me dead, they should come out confronting me and not hurting the elephants and the staff. It is horrible indeed.
Soraida

~

Baby Elephant Mosha
injured by landmine when she was only seven months in 2006
Friends of The Asian Elephant/FAE/Thailand
(Obviously Mosha was Cleopatra in a former life)
jj

Photo Source
blog.seniorennet.be/laathi/