Updated 9/8/2011
FAE/Friends of the Asian Elephant
The World's FIRST Elephant Hospital
Soraida Salwala, Founder
New Website
Friends of the Asian Elephant/FAE
The World's First Elephant Hospital
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| The Official Website of FAE/ Friends of the Asian Elephant The World's First Elephant Hospital is: www.elephant-soraida.com |
2001 to 2007 2008-2009 2006-2010 2010 FAE Mobile Vet Motala Landmine Victim 1999 to 2010 Baby Mosha's Photo Album |
FAE
FRIENDS OF THE ASIAN ELEPHANT
The World's First Elephant Hospital
Thailand
is NOT part of the Thai Elephant Conservation Center/TECC
FAE Elephant Treatment Report 1993-2009
Document Form
FAE STATISTICS OF ELEPHANT TREATMENT RECORDS Jan. - 28 July 2009
Document Form
FAE ELEPHANT TREATMENT REPORT 1993 - 28 July 09
Document Form
STATISTICS OF TREATMENT RECORDS IN 2008
Document Form
STATISTICS OF TREATMENT RECORDS 2003 - 2008
Document Form
July 2008
"Miss Jody,
I would like to send my very best wishes and to express not only my sincerest thank you but also on behalf of
“Friends of the Asian Elephant” to you.
JodysJungle.com website has been very helpful to FAE.
Without the information provided on your website, it is difficult for FAE to reach out to more people.
Please accept our appreciation.
The elephants send their (jumbo) hugs"
Soraida Salwala
Founder
Friends of the Asian Elephant
|
Friends of the Asian Elephant FAE
|
|
HOW TO DONATE/CONTRIBUTE TO FAE 9/8/2011 For Overseas Transfer: Bank of Ayudhya Public Co., Ltd. Suanplu Branch, Bangkok, Thailand A/C Number: Savings No. 040-1-14242-7 Swift Number: AYUDTHBK * Cheque payable to "FRIENDS OF THE ASIAN ELEPHANT" * Postal or Money Order payable to "FRIENDS OF THE ASIAN ELEPHANT" *Personal checks are ok. Just know that FAE's bank automatically deducts some ten dollars in fees from each check. Send to FRIENDS OF THE ASIAN ELEPHANT 295 Moo 6, Lampang-Chiangmai Road (K.M. 28-29), Viengtan, Hangchatr District, Lampang 52190 and kindly inform account@elephant-soraida.com or fax 66-(0)-54-247-870 of the transfer with your full address so our staff could issue the receipts and sent them out to you. Soraida Salwala Founder OR Donate through PayPal To donate to FAE, go to Paypal.com and request to send money to anyone with an email address.. Send donation to sarajmc@live.co.uk With message "For FAE" Please save/print your Paypal email receipts. |
Notices
December 27, 2008
The email soraida@elephant-soraida.com, may have been compromised.
If anyone receives a strange message from that address,
please know it is not from me.
Soraida
NEW FAE Website March 2010
Friends of the Asian Elephant FAE
NOTICE
10/14/2008 FAE
"Kindly let people
know that
www.elephants-soraida.com is not ours.
Thank you"
Soraida
~~~~~
FAE Housekeeper And Sister Stole Money From Donation Box!
16th October, 2009
Pavinee Meesong, 25 years old, worked as housekeeper at FAE Elephant Hospital since end of June until yesterday.
She was caught on camera using the stick applied with glue and put in the donation box so the bank notes would come up.
We had suspected that something was wrong because the donations in the box reduced, so we set up a camera during her leave.
The police came to arrest her but she refused, however, when the VDO was shown she could not refuse any more but confessed that she did it with her sister.
Her sister, Tanitha Chaewsoongnearn, 28, was hired only once during the making of Motala's Prosthetic Leg in August and we decided not to continue to hire her.
Pavinee told the police that her sister taught her how to do it and would come to our hospital to get the money so the stolen money would not be with Pavinee.
Our staff put the bank note in the donation box after making a photo copy of it and the police found that note on Pavinee.
She claimed that was the money her sister gave her but we have the photo copy of that bank note.
She even confessed she and her sister did this since she first came to work which makes us all feel very bad.
Working with the charity with the intention to steal from day one or any day in their employment here or anywhere are unacceptable.
I am most sad and disappointed, the former staff, Napassaya Panyopor, who embezzled the money from the t-shirts and souvenirs
has been convicted earlier this month and is ordered to return the money she stole.
I could not help thinking why these people did what they did and why FAE always has all the troubles and mishaps.
Thank you for your support. I am on sick leave and this case has weakened me and let me down even more.
Soraida
The news in Thai
~
~
Motala's prosthetic leg has been scheduled to 15-16 August, 2009
ten years after her tragic accident.
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
~
12/30/08
Toansai's Grave with Banyan Tree
Pung Noi's baby boy Toansai's grave.
Pung Noi Update
Umbilical Cord was broken before the baby come out.
The placenta and umbilical cord are still in Mother's body.
Antiseptics, anti inflammatory's, Oxytocin, (hormone) and Catosal injections are given.
Soraida
Rest in Peace...
12/29/2008
Sad news!
Pung Noi had the delivery at 4.10 a.m. but with a dead male baby. That was why it took so long and Noi is standing there mourning her baby beside her.
She needs time to mourn before we perform the necessary procedure. I was afraid the baby died after she jumped off the truck,
let's wait and see. I shall write as soon as I know.
I am feeling devastated. She started to show signs and cried out loud on Christmas Eve and until 30th December as the year 2008 is slipping away, her baby slipped away before the new year began. Sorrow is among us, no one uttered a word just looked at the motionless body.
You can put this news on the site. We are so sorry, sooooooo......sorry!
Soraida
Pung Noi looking at the baby as the light of dawn shines down on her.
A sad moment for Noi knowing the new life does not come with the light
of dawn,
tears fell down her cheeks.
I had to walk away.
Soraida
~
12/27/08
Kammuen
New Patient
Photo shows Dr. Preecha examining Kammuen while our staff in new brown uniforms look on.
Paruay went back to her owner this morning and
Kammuen arrived at five p.m. on Friday the 26th December.
He slipped
and fell down on his left side. The leg is swollen and his tusk has
loosened.
Dr. Preecha is worried that it might have severe infection and
inflammation.
Moreover, Pung Noi has shown some signs since Christmas Eve and we are
all alert.
Her cries scare Baby Mosha but Pahladee, Tanthong's keeper
who
is now in charge of both Mosha and Granny Tanthong is always there
to comfort her.
~
Baby Mosha is sleepy and tries to take off the walking aid
12/28/2008
Motala Dec. 27.2008
~
Soraida Salwala wishes to announce to all supporters and friends in Thailand and around the world
that NHK will be broadcasting a documentary on the work of her foundation,
FRIENDS OF THE ASIAN ELEPHANT (FAE) and its world’s first elephant hospital on the following dates and channels both on NHK and free TV, local and international viewers on:
Channel: NHK BS 3
Date : 1 December 2008
Time : (Japan time) 20:00-21:29 hrs. (NO ADVERTISEMENT)
And
On Free TV
Channel : NHK 1
Date : 22 December 2008
Time : (Japan Time) 22.00-22.48 hrs. (NO ADVERTISEMENT)
NHK will be repeating this documentary, date and time shall be announced on NHK
a week before the first broadcast.
Thank you.
Soraida Salwala
Founder & Secretary General
Friends of the Asian Elephant (FAE), the Thai Registered Charity that has built the world’s First Elephant Hospital in Lampang Province.
elephant-soraida.com
FAE Updates
"Friends of the Asian Elephant (FAE) has tried to update our records
but the lack of photographs, slides, films, and many sick elephants’ reports during year's 1993-1996 prevent us.
Dr. Sitthideth Mahawangkul, who was on the Committee of FAE during that period, has not returned them to FAE after his resignation in 1996.
FAE has requested for the return of all required documents but are sorry that we have received nothing back."
From Friends of the AsianElephant/FAE
15th November, 2008
FAE’S ELEPHANT HOSPITAL (THE WORLD’S FIRST) IS NOT PART OF THE THAI ELEPHANT CONSERVATION CENTER
There are people standing in front of the truck that is supposed to transport the sick elephants
to Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital (FAE’s Elephant Hospital)
in Lampang province, north of Thailand.
The drivers are told to send the elephants somewhere else or send the sick elephants to the place further which belongs to the government sector named
Thai Elephant Conservation Center under Forest Industry Organization which is under the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
Some of the drivers are threatened that they will be arrested if they send the elephants to FAE.
There has been a lot of confusion and unpleasant intentions from people who work there and FAE has reported to the police many times.
FAE suffers continuously from spiteful acts and has had and is still having great problems.
People coming to visit Motala, the elephant who stepped on a landmine in 1999 and has been with FAE since then, will be told if they go to the wrong place that MOTALA IS ALREADY DEAD.
When the visitors say they do not think so because they have just seen the news about her, the visitors will be told that the place where Motala was is closed and not opened for public visit.
It has been very tiring due to these great efforts of the people who wish to cause harm to FAE.
Over a decade, these things have happened, putting trees right in front of FAE’s Elephant Hospital Signs,
destroying our signs, spraying paint on our signs, putting their own signs blocking all FAE’s Elephant Hospital signs,
putting a sign of an arrow showing “ONE WAY” and a sign of "No Turning RIGHT" which is where FAE’s Elephant Hospital is located.
And the most dreadful incident was setting a fire surrounding our hospital in a U shape in January 2007.
It was only 30-40 meters from the blind and injured elephants including Motala, Ekhe, Tanthong, and others.
If it had not been because of the help we received from the local fire brigade and the sub-district emergency unit,
and if we could not move all those injured elephants in time, WHAT WOULD HAVE HAPPENED TO THEM?
The Royal Forest Department’s Anti-Fire Unit refused to come saying that they would lose face because it was FIO’s act and not forest fires.
The officials responsible for setting the fires claimed they were doing the Burning Prescription according to the order.
FAE reported to the police, the Prime Minister and the Minister of the responsible Ministry but all in vain.
In April 2007 a new fire was set (this time we saw no one) and the fire was burning all night until 11.00 a.m. the next day and again the local emergency units came to help.
Recently earlier this month, a veterinarian from France who has been in contact with FAE’s Founder that he would come to visit in November 2008,
went to the wrong place and donated the needles that FAE needed to the other place with misunderstanding
since he was told that that was the only elephant hospital.
On behalf of Friends of the Asian Elephant that built and operate the World’s First Elephant Hospital,
I am seeking your kind response to our request to please look for Friends of the Asian Elephant’s sign
if you wish to visit us. We are in the Mae Yao National Reserve which is next to the Center
but we are not part of them and have no affiliation with them.
The signs will show that we are located only 250 meters from the highway on Chiangmai-Lampang Road
where the small road leads to the center is on the left and the road leads to FAE is on the right.
Thank you very much for the kind support from friends around the world.
For the elephants,
Soraida Salwala
Founder
Friends of the Asian Elephant (FAE)
A Thai Registered Charity
The Miracles of Ganesha Gallery and Studio
Date: 12/18/2008
Exhibition of the paintings created by Artist Veerachan Usahanun are
being exhibited at his recently opened gallery and studio in Phuket
province, a famous island in the south of Thailand recognized as Pearl
of the Andaman Sea.
Veeracharn brought his twelve pieces of contemporary Ganesha paintings
on board and canvas.
These paintings could lead you to the world of
miracles.
There are incredible amounts of details in every painting. Artist
Veerachan spent a long time to complete each painting, details on
each are laden with meaning......!
Part of the proceeds from the purchase of this exhibition are donated
to "Friends of the Asian Elephant".
Please Visit
FantasyGanesha.com
for more information.
Soraida
~
Mosha Update
12/7/2008
Mosha with the new walking aid.
"Dr. Preecha Phuangkam, Co-Founder and Director of FAE's Elephant Hospital has worked tirelessly with FAE staff to make this new walking aid. The straps have to be adjusted every day making it a very difficult task since Mosha grows every day."
~
FAE 11/13/2008
Photo shows (from right) Dr. Preecha Phuangkum DVM, FAE’s Co-founder and Director of Medical Service, Dr. Watcharin Hin-On DVM (Adviser) and Dr. Kay (Kruethong Kayan) DVM.
These veterinarians had a serious meeting today with FAE’s founder, Miss Soraida Salwala, regarding Baby Mosha’s case.
Plans have been discussed and more information will be provided later.
Dr. Watcharin and FAE Team with Mosha
FAE 11/10/2008
Religious Rites at FAE
We have this every year for the monks to pray for all of the elephants
that passed away
and the blessings for all the sick ones and the
blessings to all the staff.
Soraida
Mosha's Birthday
11/10/2008
It is Mosha's third birthday
today so we had the monks to pray and Kru to call back the 32 kwans
that every elephant has to come back to Mosha.
It took almost two
hours before the Kru could call back all of them.
Kwans are the tutelary spirit guarding a person or other beings or
city or rice.
Mosha stands on the mattress
11/10/2008
This is the only way at the moment for Mosha to lessen the
pressure from the weight.
Mosha's Legs
Nov.8, 2008
From left:
Prosthetic leg, adjusted pre-prosthetic to avoid the pressure on the elbow (Oct 2008) new one made today (8 Nov. 2008) which
does not work because of her weight. We need the real prosthetic leg
which is strong and Mosha can put her weight on. Days are passing with
a very heavy weight in my heart. Her body is clearly deformed and
even though she still climbs the fence, it shows that she has
difficulties holding on.
The gears are in the bottom shelf.
Soraida
~
Characters, stories & Q and A's from Thailand & Indochina
by Scott Murray
Tuesday, 15 May 2007
The Asian elephant is almost extinct. In Thailand, for example where a century ago 100,000 chang roamed the forests only about 4,500 of these magnificent creatures are left. But Friends of the Asian Elephant (FAE) is doing everything it can to help preserve those that remain.
A remarkable and courageous woman named Soraida Salwala started the FAE in 1993. A year later, she opened the world’s first elephant hospital, called FAE's Elephant Hospital, adjacent to the Elephant Conservation Centre, just north of Lampang. To date the hospital has treated over 1,700 elephants. Why would one describe Soraida as “courageous”? For one thing, she has survived numerous death threats and even attempts to kill her, including having her car tampered with and almost being run off the road. This is evidence both of the stakes and of her real dedication to this cause. (She’s of Saudi-Afghani descent, which may help to explain her warrior spirit.)
~
Nampueng
Nov. 7, 2008
Although Nampueng has passed plastic bags and very poor digested banana tree, she is still very weak and refuses to lay down to sleep at night. Nampueng leans on the post to have a nap during the day time. We are still observing her around the clock.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Friends of the Asian Elephant (FAE)'s Founder met with Bangkok Governor
On Monday the 3rd November, 2008, Miss Soraida Salwala, Founder and Secretary General of Friends of the Asian Elephant and FAE Legal Advisers met with Bangkok Governor, Mr. Apirak Kosayodhin to tackle the problem of elephants roaming on the streets of Bangkok and on the outskirts. Miss Soraida asked the Governor to take the lead in solving the problems regarding this matter and he has accepted.
The tragic death of a seven-year old elephant and a boy of twelve who were killed and two people injured when they were hit by a pick-up truck last month has caused another wave of awareness, while Soraida, who has spearheaded for the protest against the people bringing these elephants into the capital and other cities in Thailand since 1993, raises her concern and seeks Bangkok Governor’s to look into this issue with other government sectors and all authorities involved to put an end to it.
Although several measures have been done in the past but the capitalists who own the elephants for rent do not yield easily. They claim that these elephants are surplus ones and are jobless so the best way is to allow them to export these elephants out of Thailand easily. FAE has shown their concern and Miss Soraida repeatedly says that there are no “SURPLUS” elephants but these elephants are only being MISPLACED.
“I am happy that the Governor has agreed to take the lead and will coordinate with the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, the Interior Ministry, the governors of the northeastern provinces as well as other authorities, foundations for the welfare of animals and other groups as FAE has suggested. I do hope that our wishes to see the elephants in the better environment and natural surroundings will come true soon.” Soraida says with a smile.
Friends of the Asian Elephant
Plai Boon Mee
Young Elephant Killed by Drunk Bangkok Truck Driver
October 17, 2008
bangkokpost.com
Soraida Salwala, founder of the Friends of the Asian Elephant foundation, said the problems of elephants roaming the streets had gone on for too long.
The authorities paid only lip service to improving the welfare of the roaming elephants and the mahouts.
''This accident could have been prevented. Elephants should not roam about in cities. They should stay where they belong,'' Ms Soraida said.
She would ask Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin to make sure Bangkok is free of roaming elephants.
She was also seeking legal avenues for action against people involved in abusing elephants and against high-ranking officials who turn a blind eye to the problem.
pattayadailynews.com
~
A Girl Named Thank You
10/18/2008
Dear Miss Jody:
The family came to visit the sick elephants and “Thank You” and her elder brother came up to me to greet me in a Thai way of “wai” and sat down to ask questions about sick elephants, telling me they had visited Mosha and looked at the photos from the mobile I use. These kids are so cute and they showed their genuine feeling. When her parents told them it was time to leave, they would not want to go. I told them “Time to go home and you will visit us again”. Thank you waved back at me when I waved goodbye to her, smiling her sweet smile all the way.
Good day!
Soraida
~
Baby Mosha and Mum Soraida
FAE Update 10/14/2008
Mosha has spent her time in her shelter and playground near Tanthong for
the past two weeks.
Tanthong is pale and a lot better but her diet is strict.
Noi is not yet in
labour but we are watchful 24 hours. Noi is at the delivery place. It is best for the mother elephant to get aquainted with the
surroundings and not be under any stress before the baby is due.
Motala loves to sleep on the grass in the morning and probably wonders
where is that little shy baby and Tanthong.
We have to wait for another ten days for the Prostheses Foundation to
come. They are now in Phitsanuloke Province helping people who lost
their legs. I will be here waiting.
The climate changes a lot, rain here and there but it is humid
and cooler during the night. I could smell smoke in the air since
last week. They start burning dry leaves, the smoke will harm us
physically.
Mosha is restless so we have to take turns to cheer her up. She wants
to come out to walk with aunties.
"You have to be patient, my child! Running at your age is not
recommended."
From Mum, Soraida
14 October, 2008
~
Mosha's Path is Finished! 10/10/08
Tanthong 10/11/08
Tanthong has had a three day fight with her ailment and she is recovering, the obstruction came out just now and we hope that there is no more. More fluids have been given and Tanthong is now resting in her shelter.
We have been worried because she was restless and showed a lot of pain, lay down for 2-4 hours at a time for the past two days.
Soraida
Tanthong and Baby Mosha and dear Tahnee
Date: 10/10/2008
Tahnee was a bit nervous this evening when dusk came and she still had to stay there because she has been familiar with the place where she usually is and not near other than Auan, Ekhe, Tanthong so I decided that she should go back to the night spot where she is used to. Baby Mosha was happy to see me and tears dropped from her eyes. Tanthong sensed me and when I called her name and touched her cheek, tears filled her eyes and I had to hold back my tears telling Mosha that Granny has stomach pain and you should be good because Granny is old and cannot talk to you much. Tahnee on the hand looks sad but she is happy to be near Tanthong but with Paruay who has foot rot in another unit nearby, Tahnee is not that happy, my dear Tahnee! When Auan was about to give birth and I placed Tahnee to be the nanny for the new born, instead of helping and comforting Auan, she ran away. not a very good baby sitter after all.
I have tried to reach the owner of Tanthong and his son called me back, the old man has just passed away on 9th June, 2008 at the age of 102. He asked me if if was possible that Tanthong felt it and I replied "May be your father came to visit Tanthong and said goodbye to her". May he rest in peace. He came to visit Tanthong when he was 95. the whole family is grateful that Tanthong is well looked after and understands that at Tanthong's age, she has had a long and happy life with us.
Soraida
10/09/08
False alarm on Pung Noi but the owner sent three mahouts to stand by
to help us.
Tanthong has been laying on her side for over two hours so we tried to
get her on her feet. She ate small rice we cooked and drank some water.
Soraida
Update October 8, 2008
Tanthong
Tanthong has shown sign of abdominal pain by opening her mouth since
morning of 8th October, 2008. Her digestion is poorer as she is
ageing. She has stopped eating and so the fluids are being given. She
is bloated too so we need to walk her around to exercise and Baby
Mosha is showing signs of concern. We keep them warm by the bonfires
since the weather is changing a lot, and the cold winds are coming.
Pray Tanthong will make it.
Soraida
From Updates on Sick Elephants
Lampang/Wed 21st May, 2003
"
Tanthong has been with FAE since April 1997. She is over 70 years old
but apart from complete blindness on her left eye and the right one that we saved, she was strong".
October 06, 2008
Please note that on Saturday 11th October, 2008 (Thailand Time) during 1.00 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association (Thailand) will hold a seminar at the Main Auditorium, Asian Institute of Technology, Prathumthani Province, Thailand which Soraida Salwala will be present among other guests for VDO Conference with the Supreme Master Ching Hai
(Live on www.suprememastertv.com)
for open discussions, questions and answers.
8:30 PM 10/6/2008
Guest Speaker from the UN will give a speech before the open discussions
Soraida Salwala
~
Mosha's Longest Walk
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Here is a not so new update I found in my filing cabinet,
the video is still online and well worth watching,
see Motala, Mosha and Soraida among others.
(Click the link then watch the right side of the screen until the commercial goes away.)
jj
Thai Elephants on 60 Minutes
8/19/2006
"Dear Friends:
There was a story that ran on 60 Minutes last Sunday (13th August, 2006) in Australia.
You can watch the video online or view the transcript at ninemsn.video.msn.com
Those who watched it say this story was great for our campaign and really raised the questions about whether they should be importing elephants from Thailand for Australian zoos."
Best regards,
Soraida Salwala
Founder
Friends of the Asian Elephant
~
18 Sep 2008
New Patients Arrived:
Poompuang (bloated)
Srinuan (bloated)
Kaew (bloated)
Boonthong (bloated)
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
~
Sept. 27, 2008
FAE's Mobile Vet to visit the former patients: Landmine Victims
FAE team started the long journey at 7.30 a.m. on the 17th September, 2008 and arrived Tak province at 4.35 p.m. We rested at the owner of Motoo and Mojay’s house. The next day at 9.45 a.m. we had to go to the small pier to cross Meo River to Mynmar to visit our patients.
Twenty of the elephants in the village had gone out to work, 20 k.m. deep into the forest so we could not follow but we met Motoo, the younger sister of Mojay, who is too young to work and was then left behind. She has grown up a lot, standing on her four legs at 5.5 feet. Her left foot was smaller than the other side from the landmine that injured her and her elder sister two years ago.
At 11.20 a.m. we left that village to go to another to visit Mohay who was injured by landmines too. If you recall, her baby died the day after they both arrived at FAE Elephant Hospital. She is pregnant again and looked so healthy. She had a male baby after she went home and that baby was sold away. This new baby might meet the same fate. I wish I could prevent all these partings!!!!!!
Our team also met other six elephants which included a baby aged 4 years old at 2.30 p.m. Dr. Preecha vaccinated and dewormed the four elephants and gave an injection to Mohay because she had a little bruise on the side of the nail. The baby was not treated because he could not be chained for vaccination but we left the medicines and eye drops for other elephants as well. For Mohay, Dr. Preecha left the antibiotics for the owner to continue the injection to cover the doses needed.
The whole team came back late on the 18th September.
Our mission was done but leaving them is always heartbreaking!
Soraida Salwala
~
9/27/2008
Mosha and the Satellite
Looking at the satellite dish on the right makes me sad,
it is the
modern world full of high technology out there while Mosha on the left
is trying to survive
when her family are disappearing from this earth.
Soraida
What a wonderful sight!
On September 24, 2008, Motala and Mosha finally met.
A joyous day indeed!
These two lovely ladies, each injured in the same way, so many years apart,
can now share their sorrows and hopes.
May Mosha find a new mom in Motala and may Motala find great comfort in Mosha.
In this picture taken Sept. 27, 2008 Motala gives Mosha a hug.
jj
September 25,2008
September 24, 2008
Mosha and Motala Meet for the First Time!
Mosha was shy at first.
FAE 9/23/08
Mosha's Big Adventure
(please mouse over pictures)
FAE 9/22/2008
Today we walked Mosha half way down the new path,
but I could not say she walked because she was half running.
Soraida
Mosha stops for some bananas
Tired little Mosha resting
Hi Granny Tanthong! I'm back from my mini marathon!
~
Mosha's New Foot Pad
September 23, 2008
Prosthetic Foundation, Friends of the Asian Elephant Foundation
A very happy Mosha (with what looks like to me, her fan club. jj)
~
This was the group photo taken after the success of making the first prosthetic leg
for Baby Mosha on 21st June, 2008.
~
New Patients September, 2008
Mosha's Path 9/17/08
Rain Delay
Staff planting trees to keep the soil and earth intact
~
Soraida, I want to add this article to the site, can you tell me who is the elephant pictured?
Jody
Wednesday, December 30, 1998
World: Asia-Pacific
Thailand's elephants sick and abandoned
The baby who was injured in the photo was Plai Auan. He was only three and did not have a name yet, so I named him Auan (meaning Fat) because he was gaining weight. He came back in 2000 as in-patient and we never saw him again but heard that he killed a man and was sold away.
While he was with us in 1998 we made a shoe for him of rubber and later stainless steel to adjust the bone of his leg. I want to add that when we asked the shoe maker in the city to make the rubber shoe for Auan. The shoe maker said he was so proud that it was the first elephant shoe he ever made. He has moved long time ago or I shall go and take his photo.
Soraida
Plai Auan
Plai Auan, so thin
Plai Auan with Dr. Preecha with our staff trying on the soft pad
Plai Auan with rubber shoe
Plai Auan with rubber shoe, Soraida watches
Plai Auan with Khajaan
Pung Khajaan was a female elephant (Pung) who broke her front leg because another elephant attacked her but she could not survive the compound fractures on that leg, we had to put her down.
~
The FAE's Six Permanent Residents
Sept. 2008
Tahnee, Ekhe, Auan, Tanthong,
Motala and the sixth is Baby Mosha
"And about Ekhe, yes she is alive and well and less nervous. we have built her the rehabilitation unit with her two friends, Auan and Tahnee. they are all together and Tanthong visits them every morning for the exercise and later Mosha will know why Granny Tanthong has to leave in the morning and come back later because Mosha will be walking on the same path Granny Tanthong has and with the new elephant path, less slope will ease Granny Tanthong's walk as well.
Soraida"
~
9/10/2008
Forgot to tell u I have reached home where my children are at last.
I
plan the elephant path for Mosha to walk down to the small field
in front of Motala.
Tomorrow the trucks loaded with soil to fill up the path would start
coming in from 8 a.m. It would cost a lot but the baby needs it. Above the soil we shall put sand so it would not be slippery when Mosha walks on it. Also It has rained heavily here and the
pebbles from the soil could get into the cracks of her feet when she walks on the road.
I shall send the photos.
Soraida
Building Mosha's Road
September 2008
~
Dear Miss Jody:
It is raining and dark outside and I am looking at Baanyen's photos.
This photo I took of her just a few days before she died. Look at how she looked at me.
When a baby is born, I am always asked to name him or her.
I have just realized I did not tell you what Baanyen meant. It is the
name of the flower that blooms in the evening. Baan in Thai means
blooming. Yen means evening. These flowers bloom in the evenings. We
also have the flowers named Baan-chao because they bloom in the morning.
Baanyen died at 3 a.m. so she was actually blooming to brighten our
days, not wanting us to be sad but more determined to help her friends.
Soraida FAE 9/9/08
Baanyen Update:
9/08/08
At 3 a.m. Baanyen from Trang died.
Suspect trauma from the fall of the truck was the cause, awaiting owner's permission to perform the postmortem.
Soraida
Baanyen
9/5/2008
Thank you for your kindness. I have another worrying news, Baanyen has
just collapsed. Dr. Preecha and Dr. Kay are giving her glucose.
Our staff who was tending to Kamnoi yesterday fell off the over two-
metre high scaffolding we used for the vet and staff to sit while
giving the intravenous fluids. He is hurt and sent to the hospital. No
bones broken but he has inflammation on the ankle tendon.
Kamnoi shook violently before she collapsed bringing down the staff
with the bottles and everything on it.
We are praying for Baanyen. I do not know why she collapsed.
Soraida
~
Kamnoi 9/4/2008
Dear Miss Jody:
I am sad to bring you this sad news. Kamnoi had another convulsion. I had to decide to let her go. Dr. Preecha performed the euthanasia just an hour ago. I regret not being there to close her eyes and give her the last hug. Knowing deep down that she is now no longer suffering, but it hurts real bad. Her body will be transported to her owner’s place for the postmortem by our vet, Dr. Kay, and for the burial.
Soraida
F.A.E.
Kamnoi's Last Picture
Kamnoi was being massaged
because she had intravenous treatments every day and her veins were inflammed.
Beautiful Kamnoi, Rest in Peace
jj
~
Update, Mosha
9/03/08
Mosha is still interested in knocking down the banana trees.
Soraida
Update, Mosha Runs
8/28/08
"I like this photo, Mosha was planning if she should run again but rather not, Mother would not like it, Soraida"
We are doing our best to Mosha, to the elephants in our care. If Mosha ran, it would hurt her when she stumbled and fell. She kicked a banana tree and knocked it down with her artificial leg, we let her do it but not to run to the road or to other elephants.
Mosha's Banana Tree
We have planned to walk her down to the field right in front Motala's Infirmary Unit. However, it takes time for Mosha to get used to things outside her world, flowers, butterflies, frogs frighten her, bugs too, vehicles and all.
Soraida
(Mosha is so cute, Soraida and a staff member were taking her for a walk, they had to grab her when she tried to run out in front of a vehicle..finally they got her turned around and headed back to the hospital..You can see on Soraida's face the amusement.)
~
F.A.E. Update 8/26/08
Noi is gaining weight and shows her maternity stage. ~
Kamnoi
Kamnoi arrived at FAE's Elephant Hospital about two weeks ago with
foot rot but she has shown signs of pains and had convulsion on
Thursday 21st August, 2008. We used the crane to hoist her up and
later supported her to stand. Five days between life threatening
condition, we finally removed the support and slowly walked her down
to be near Noi (the pregnant elephant who jumped out of the truck).
They are from the same place.
However, Kamnoi is not safe. We watch over her 24 hours. Some
abdominal pains, we suspect she is pregnant or was!
Subject: Baanyen's condition
Date: 8/17/2008
When we x-rayed Baanyen, the machine could not reach down to the ankle
area. We are suspecting some problems there, tendon or muscles, we are
working on it. Baanyen has anti-inflammation, pain relief. Somehow she
could not put her weight on that leg just on the tip of her foot.
However, she can lie down to sleep at night.
Her owner is coming to visit Baanyen end of this month.
Soraida
Baanyen is also blind on her right eye. She was hit with a stone when she was young. The young should know that their behaviour of abusing and causing pain to others are unacceptable and considered cruel.
Subject:
Baanyen
F.A.E. 16 August 2008
After Baanyen's arrival from Trang Province, south of Thailand last month, we had to wait longer than we planned to have her leg x-rayed because she was tired and still nervous. Being on a truck for long hours to a destination unknown to her and without her owner around, it is understandable to all of us to wait.
Her cooperation was important. We managed to x-ray her and from the films we did not see any fractures or broken bones. Dr. Preecha has started to give her NSAID in injection form. This medicine is used in humans with rheumatoid (75 mg./day) but for Baanyen we use 2,250 mg./dose/day. We hope it will relieve the pains in her joints and muscles, inflammation from the accident. We have been massaging her leg with medicinal herbs as well.
From today we use the same medicine (NSAID for rheumatoid) in ointment form to apply on her leg before we wrap the bandage around it for eight hours daily.
Soraida
BAANYEN: A Long Journey
Baanyen, a female elephant aged 38, arrived at FAE’s Elephant Hospital at 5.30 p.m. yesterday (9th July, 2008). She had traveled 36 hours on a truck from Trang Province, south of Thailand which is about 1,500 kilometers away from the elephant hospital.
The owner informed us earlier on the phone that Baanyen had an accident and hurt her foreleg so we told the owner to quickly transport Baanyen to us. However, the owner was afraid that he could not afford the expenses but after the reassurance from us that we treat every elephant free of charge, he rented a ten wheel truck traveling over 1,500 kilometers across the country to reach us. We kept in contact with him on the mobile phone to know where the truck was and if the sun was too sunny. How fortunate that the past two days, the sky has been on our side and the sky was grey all the way.
The owner told us that Baanyen worked for his family by giving rides to tourists on her back. One day four months ago, while on a small truck to go home, she fell off the truck and her right foreleg got stuck.
We will x-ray her leg in a few days because Baanyen needs to be relaxed after a long journey and get familiar with the surroundings. Dr. Preecha and Dr. Kay are treating her with antibiotics, analgestic , antiinflammation and vitamin. The owner had to leave today to return to his mother because his father has just passed away. We assited him to pay for the rental of the truck and he thanked FAE immensely and said, “I do not know how to return your kindness.” I told him, “Do not worry, there are people out there who have been helping us so we can help the elephants”. Tears filled his eyes and he reluctantly bid us farewell to face another 36 hours home.
I would like to say thank you to all FAE’s supporters to make these difficult tasks possible for us.
Thank you ever so much for your contribution to give this man and his elephant a chance in life.
On behalf of Baanyen and all the elephants,
Soraida Salwala
Founder
Friends of the Asian Elephant (FAE)
~
~
Asso. Prof. Dr. Therdchai Jivacate and Soraida Salwala at the Prostheses
Foundation on Monday 11th August, 2008.
Mosha's leg has to be enlarged as she is growing quite fast.
~
CONGRATULATIONS!
The Prostheses Foundation
has announced that Asso. Prof. Dr. Therdchai Jivacate is one of the Magsaysay Awardees this year. The awards will be presented on 31 August, 2008 in the Philippines. Dr. Therdchai has been recognized for his public services in helping the people who need the protheses legs and the latest is for Baby Mosha, the elephant.
Soraida
~
Prosthetic Leg for Baby Mosha by Asso. Prof. Dr. Therdchai Jivacate
Mosha's Artificial Leg
Mosha’s artificial leg
consisted of socket, shank and foot. Socket is made of
polypropylene copolymer of 4 mm thickness and laminate out side with polyester
resin. The ppco socket was molded from the plaster positive stump mold. The
negative mold of the stump was made by sand casting technique which gave the
exact shape/size of the elephant’s
stump.
Polyethylene foam sheet, Pelite, was molded over the
plaster mold in order to make a soft liner of the socket sometime we call this
liner as a soft socket. A preheated, softened polypropylene co. sheet was used to
cover the stump mold which was already covered by polyethylene foam sheet by
wrap on technique to make a hard socket.
This polypropylene socket was split open in the front to facilitate the
on and off of the socket from the stump. The alignment unit and
the shank was then attached around the end of the socket. Trial walking of the
trial artificial leg were performed many times to get the proper dynamic
alignment (the alignment between the socket and foot of Mosha). When the proper
alignment was gotten. i.e she could walk well and could put full weight on the
artificial leg, then the steel shank and steel foot plate were use to replace
the former shank and foot. Urethane block was securely fixed to steel the foot
plate and cover with polyurethane foam to absorb the ground reaction force.
Diagram of artificial leg
~
~
"After Mosha's Mother left in December, 2007, it took several days
before Baby Mosha lay down to sleep.
The photo shows one of those days I had to talk her to sleep.
Soraida"
The FAE's Six Permanent Residents
July, 2008
Tahnee, Ekhe, Auan, Tanthong,
Motala and the sixth is Baby Mosha
~
Mosha on 19th July, 2008 with Asso. Prof. Therdchai Jivacate/Protheses Foundation
Dear Miss Jody:
I am so happy today seeing Mosha walks and plays. She uses it to play with the sand as if it were the real leg she had before. Asso. Prof. Dr. Therdchai and all the faces beam with joy and I am so proud of him and his team.
The next plan is for Motala. I wish I could see them walking together. They have shared their plight and together they have shared being given love and care from so many people all these years.
No word could ever express my appreciation on their behalf,
Soraida
19th July, 2007
~
Dear Friends:
Mosha has tried on the second prosthetic leg with a lot of changes. As you can see from the photo it looks almost like her own leg. The official presentation from Asso. Prof. Therchai Jivacate, Secretary General of the Prostheses Foundation will be held at FAE's Elephant Hospital on Saturday the 19th July, 2008.
Thanks a Jumbo way!
Soraida Salwala
Founder
Friends of the Asian Elephant
~
Mosha
7/16/08
Friends of the Asian Elephant
~
Mosha
7/15/08
~
July 13, 2008 ~
Banyan Tree Bangkok ~
BABY ZENO HAS GONE HOME!
Asia-Pacific Features ~
Subject: Elephant Baanyen from Trang, south of Thailand
"Baanyen, a female elephant aged 38, arrived at FAE’s Elephant Hospital at 5.30 p.m. yesterday (9th July, 2008). She had traveled 36 hours on a truck from Trang Province, south of Thailand which is about 1,500 kilometers away from the elephant hospital.
~
Mosha's Second Prosthetic Leg Mosha July 2008
Today Mosha walks on her new leg happily and trying to familiarize herself walking on the sand.
June, 2008
~
Mosha's New Leg
Mosha is walking in her playground with the prosthetic leg
successfully made by the Prosthesis Foundation at Friends of the Asian
Elephant Hospital on 21st June, 2008. It took twelve full hours of
twenty technicians from PF under Asso. Therdchai Jivacate. It is
believed to be the world's first elephant artificial leg.
Thanks to PF and everyone of our staff who has as worked tirelessly
to make it possible for Mosha to stand high.
MOSHA VIDEO ~
Prosthetic Leg for Baby Elephant Mosha
"Baby Mosha who was injured by landmine when she was only seven months old back in 2006 has fully recovered. And Asso. Prof. Therdchai Jivagate, from the Prostheses Foundation will be at Friends of the Asian Elephant’s Hospital in Hangchatr, Lampang Province on Saturday the 21st of June, 2008 around 9.00 a.m. to proceed with the prosthetic leg for Baby Mosha who is now two years and seven months old. She has been prepared to put the artificial leg since February after she weaned off in December 2007, her mother had to go back to the owners while Mosha has been donated to FAE to take care of her for the rest of her life. Mosha has been walking on the pre-prosthetic leg since February and in good health and her spirit is high."
I am now adding this update from F.A.E.
Although it is from 2006, there are still some of you who do not know this happened.
I think it's important that you do.
jj
Updates
Please click the link to see pictures of the baby elephants Motoo and Mojay and read their stories.
Also news on Lamou, Mosha, Motala and Kamsoong.
At FAE's Elephant Hospital/Lampang
Saturday 14th October, 2006
Dear friends:
Once again it is my regret for not being able to contact all our friends and send you updates on FAE.
We have had an enormous setback, documents lost, domain and server were down several times and our website could not be used for so long, unpleasant things happened that we never believed before that they had anything to do with planned foul play.
Documents, computers, almost all the files of fourteen years have lost/stolen and damaged. We do not have the lists of our friends, no donor names and addresses and I feel it is not just we went back to the starting point but further behind. However, I am trying to start anew. With just one staff in Bangkok office now and three staff short here at FAE's Elephant Hospital, it is very difficult to work efficiently.
I believe it is the fate and I do have faith for FAE and thanks to you all for the support you have given to us all these years.
Thank you so much.
Soraida Salwala
Founder
Friends of the Asian Elephant (FAE)
New website:
elephant-soraida.com
is working closely with the Friends of the Asian Elephant (FAE) foundation to educate the public about the sad fate and abuse of Asian elephants and prevent socially irresponsible behaviour from creating innocent victims. The FAE was founded in 1993 at the Mae Yao National Reserve in Lampang province, Thailand, as a sanctuary for destitute elephants and has become the country's first philanthropic elephant hospital.
Baby Zeno who was born at FAE's Elephant Hospital in September 2007 has gone
back home with his mother today.
Baby Zeno is the third baby of Kamprai who gave birth to all her babies
here. All are males.
Dr. Kay accompanied them to the elephant camp where they came from in
Chiangmai to make sure of their safety.
Zeno was scared at first because he
had never been on a truck but happily played with the children who were
waiting for them at the camp. Good luck Zeno! Be well!
Soraida Salwala
FAE
12th July, 2008
~
Injured Thai Elephants find loving care at pachyderm clinic
Lampang, Thailand - 'Hey, little one, come to mama,' chirps Soraida Salwala.
The 'little one' is a female elephant calf named Mosha, and she knows that Soraida never visits her empty-handed. She approaches Soraida to find a treat of bananas.
A photo made available on 04 June 2008, shows Motala a Thai elephant who lost a foot after stepping on a landmine in Myanmar, being comforted by a Thai veterinarian at the Friends of the Asian Elephant (FAE) Hospital, Lampang province northern Thailand, 02 April 2008.
EPA/RUNGROJ YONGRIT
Jun 5, 2008
BAANYEN: A Long Journey
The owner informed us earlier on the phone that Baanyen had an accident and hurt her foreleg so we told the owner to quickly transport Baanyen to us. However, the owner was afraid that he could not afford the expenses but after the reassurance from us that we treat every elephant free of charge, he rented a ten wheel truck traveling over 1,500 kilometers across the country to reach us. We kept in contact with him on the mobile phone to know where the truck was and if the sun was too sunny. How fortunate that the past two days, the sky has been on our side and the sky was grey all the way.
The owner told us that Baanyen worked for his family by giving rides to tourists on her back. One day four months ago, while on a small truck to go home, she fell off the truck and her right foreleg got stuck.
We will x-ray her leg in a few days because Baanyen needs to be relaxed after a long journey and get familiar with the surroundings. Dr. Preecha and Dr. Kay are treating her with antibiotics, analgesics, anti-inflammatorys and vitamins. The owner had to leave today to return to his mother because his father has just passed away. We assited him to pay for the rental of the truck and he thanked FAE immensely and said, “I do not know how to return your kindness.” I told him, “Do not worry, there are people out there who have been helping us so we can help the elephants”. Tears filled his eyes and he reluctantly bid us farewell to face another 36 hours home.
I would like to say thank you to all FAE’s supporters to make these difficult tasks possible for us.
Thank you ever so much for your contribution to give this man and his elephant a chance in life."
On behalf of Baanyen and all the elephants,
Soraida Salwala
Founder
Friends of the Asian Elephant (FAE)
In the first photo, Mosha realizes a staff member has a sugar lump!
In the second photo, Asso. Prof. Therdchai Jivacate looks on at FAE’s Elephant Hospital on 5th July, 2008
From Soraida
The prosthetic leg will be adjusted to her weight so there will be more new ones to replace this first one.
Soraida
FAE
~
Dear Miss Jody:
These photos were taken on the day Asso. Prof. Therdchai and his team
came to make
the prosthetic leg and the last photo was on the 24th when his team
came to visit Mosha. The colour of the prosthetic leg has been changed
and will be adjusted to make Mosha feel comfortable. She even tries to
pull the artificial leg back after the staff take it off her leg each
day. She is now very possessive of her new leg.
Cheers!
Soraida
6/22/2008
Soraida Salwala
Founder
FAE
Elephant Mosha Walking on Prosthetic Leg
June 2008
Soraida Salwala, Founder
MOSHA: THE THAI BABY ELEPHANT INJURED BY LANDMINE IN MYNMAR
On the 9th of June in 2006, we received a phone call from the owner of Mobra (the elephant who stepped on a landmine and was treated at FAE’s Elephant Hospital years before) that a baby elephant had stepped on a landmine in Mynmar just across the border of Tak Province. We asked him to quickly transport the baby and the Mother elephant as well even though she was not injured. I was so worried that I sent our vet and staff over and they met on the way to accompany the baby and her mother to our hospital. They arrived at 02.15 a.m. on 11 June.
We were shocked to see how young the baby was. She was only seven months old. Poor Baby was so little and her right front leg was totally shattered, severe beyond explanation. The injuries were like those of Motala’s but Motala’s was on the left front leg. There was no foot pad left, finger bones were dangling. Since the baby had no name and she arrived with the stars up in the dark sky, I named her “Mosha” which means “The Star” in Karen language. From that moment on, Mosha has proved to be the star in all our hearts.
We tended her wounds, giving all the necessary medicines by grounding them in jam and feeding to her. This was the way to avoid stress on Mosha (if we gave her injections) who was already in great pain. She still needed her mother’s milk that was why the Mother’s presence was important but also difficult for us to be near the baby. Somehow we managed to befriend the Mother, Mogreygay but still she was not feeling secure. She never lay down to sleep but stood there with her baby under her belly or slept next to one of her feet, a guarding mother indeed.
June passed into July, Mosha had difficulty getting up and was less active. She was not responding to the treatment. Her chance of survival was then very slim, we then issued the statement telling the public through the media. We would continue to do our best to save her.
On the 8th July,2006, Mr. Yusubkan Pearnrak contacted me and wished to come and visit Mosha. I welcomed him and we had a long talk. Mr. Yusubkhan proposed to contribute the herbal medicines, fresh ones to treat Baby Mosha’s wounds. Dr. Preecha was reluctant but I told him we had to give Mosha all the chance. If the medicinal herbs did not help, then we would know deep down we had done our very best. That day Mosha was already between life and death. We started applying these herbs on the wounds, within a few hours Mosha stood up and showed sign of less pain. However, we still continued with the antibiotics and painkiller in the jam until the 17 July, 2006.
With all the process mentioned, the wound dressings in the basin was a daily task and Mosha knew it. She would walk and stood inside the basin waiting for Dr. Kay to come and soothe her pains. After the use of medicinal herbs for fifty-one days (27 August, 2006), the pus was less, new tissues came, new skin was growing and the wounds completely healed.
Then came the day she was weaned and her mother, Mogreygay, had to return to her owners. 12th December, 2007 was a sad day for both. Mosha seemed to sense something was going to happen and stood next to her mother for fear she might be walking away somewhere. Dr. Preecha had to use medicines on both of them. Mosha had a sound sleep while her mother was ready to step on the truck, one last look from Mogreygay and she departed to an unknown destination.
Mosha was donated to FAE and we wish we could keep the mother too but Mosha needed to be tended to closely. We could not do that with the mother around on guard.
Our staff stayed with Mosha 24 hours and I found Mosha a nanny which is Granny Tanthong, a 76 years old elephant who has taken Mosha as a great grandmother would.
We prepared Mosha for the prostheses by fitting her with the preprostheses leg so she would be familiar with having something on that leg after she could put her whole weight on that injured leg on the mattresses we had made especially for her. On the 23rd February, 2008 on Mosha was getting to walking on the walking aid and on the 9th June 2008, the first elephant prosthetic leg was made for Mosha by the Prostheses Foundation. She loved that leg so much, she walked proudly on it and tears filled my eyes. The prosthetic leg had to be enlarged 4-5 times from June to October and on the 10th January, 2009, the second one is made and now in the process of making it to fit Mosha.
“BABY MOSHA, you are now standing high, my dear baby. Be strong!” I whisper to her.
Other elephants may not have the chance Mosha has but we are always prepared. No matter what the future will bring, Mosha is one of the stars in our hearts who never stops to bring us JOY and SURPRISES!
Thank you so much for everyone for their involvement in making the impossible possible for MOSHA and other elephants under FAE’s care. Thank you immensely.
Soraida Salwala
Founder
Friends of the Asian Elephant
A Thai Registered Charity which has built the World’s first elephant hospital in Lampang, Thailand
18th January, 2009
www.elephant-soraida.com
~~~Friends of the Asian Elephant~~~
FAE
External
Links
Save The Thai Elephant
Friends of the Asian Elephant/FAE
This trailblazing organization, founded by Miss Soraida Salwala, has spearheaded Thailand's desperate struggle to care for its 'unemployed' domesticated elephants and preserve its dwindling wild elephant population.
The Nation
Elephants may get IDs, more protection.
The Eyes of Thailand
In 1993, Thailand boasted 40,000 Thai Asian Elephants. By November 2007, a mere 14 years later, there were less than 2,600 left in captivity. In response to this staggering decline, a North American theatre company, known as “The Chiang Mai Project”, traveled to northern Thailand to raise international awareness about the rapid extinction of one of Thailand’s national icons. Once there, they learned that not only are the Thai Asian Elephants endangered, but the remaining elephants are overworked, abused, or disfigured from injuries resulting from Thailand’s rapid industrialization.
Soraida Salwala, the passionate founder of the Friends of the Asian Elephant, continues to risk her life every day to treat and protect the elephants from further abuse at the first ever Elephant Hospital. Witnessing her tireless commitment, love and determination, the actors began to look at the world, their lives, and their craft from a new perspective.
Produced, Written and Directed by Windy Borman, with music provided by Singer/Songwriter Amy Penwell, D.V.A. Productions presents a documentary that asks you to question your ideas, believe art can change lives, and look at the world through The Eyes of Thailand
classiccarsoflanna.com/friends-of-asian-elephants-lampang
"However, we took the right hand turning towards Friends of Asian Elephant Hospital and were greeted by Khun Soraida, the founder and co-director of the Non Government Organisation and the worlds 1st Elephant Hospital.
Khun Soraida demonstrated some of the work performed at the hospital with a short video, highlighting causes for suffering of these creatures and setting the tone for the next hour....."
metro.co.uk
Mosha the elephant tries out a prosthetic leg at the Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital in Hangchatr, Lampang province, Thailand.
The two-year-old was hurt by a landmine when she was seven months old.
wmaker.net
The news of Mosha in the Handicap International is good but there are two incorrect facts. One, Mosha is a Thai elephant who was injured in Myanmar not in Thailand, it happened across the Thai border. Two, Mosha was not amputated but because of the severe injuries, she lost that part of her leg.
Soraida
elephant-news.com
Mosha the elephant gets new leg
Sunday, June 22, 2008
elephants-soraida.com
Saturday 14th October, 2006
Dear friends:
Once again it is my regret for not being able to contact all our friends and send you updates on FAE.
We have had an enormous setback, documents lost, domain and server were down several times and our website could not be used for so long, unpleasant things happened that we never believed before that they had anything to do with planned foul play....
pungkamee
Pung Kammee came to our Elephant Hospital on the 28th of April 1997. I met her one month after her arrival. I learned from the previous report that she could not survive, having been abused for so long as a working elephant in the forest and with the prognosis of having been treated with amphetamines. Her condition deteriorated and she finally collapsed. We tried to retrieve her from the coma. It took 6 months for her to revive.
(Pung Kammee collapsed at noon today (7th July, 2002). There was no chance so I decided to let her go in peace. Dr. Preecha performed the euthanasia.)
Rest in Peace Kammee
theintrepidfoundation.org
FAE aims to:
• Assist elephants to enjoy improved living conditions and eventually survive in their unnatural surroundings.
• Help professionals related to elephants - mahouts, raisers, researchers, vets.
• Gather data on elephants and produce public reports on the condition of elephants across the country.
Young elephants continue to fall victims to anti-personnel landmines in Burma/Myanmar
In the landmine infested forests along the border between Burma/Myanmar and Thailand, the casualty count includes elephants used for timber extraction...
monstersandcritics.com
Lampang, Thailand
'Hey, little one, come to mama,' chirps Soraida Salwala.
The 'little one' is a female elephant calf named Mosha, and she knows that Soraida never visits her empty-handed. She approaches Soraida to find a treat of bananas.
Soraida has cared for the calf for the past 18 months after Mosha tripped on a landmine in the jungle near Thailand's border with Myanmar. The explosion almost severed her right foreleg, and she was brought to Soraida's elephant clinic when she was 7 months old...
Animal Planet.com
When Soraida Salwala was a young girl, she and her father happened upon an elephant that had been hit by a car. She wanted to take "Uncle Elephant" to the hospital; when her father informed her that there was no hospital for elephants, she was heartbroken. In 1994, Soraida realized a lifelong dream to create a hospital for elephants. The Elephant Hospital in Lampang, Thailand, is the first of its kind in the world. The hospital has cared for hundreds of elephants that have been abused in the illegal logging trade. These elephants have been given amphetamines to make them work faster or have been crippled by land mines left to clear rugged terrain. Soraida and her staff treat elephants with varying ailments, whether natural or due to their contact with humans.
Listen to Soraida
talk about her unique hospital, her organization, Friends of the Asian Elephant, and her efforts to save the Asian elephant in Thailand.
~
Friends of FAE
is a ‘parade’ of copyrighted, life-size model baby elephants which are being displayed in major cities around the world. Painted by local and international artists, each elephant is a unique piece of art.
Mission
It is Elephant Parade’s mission to become one of the world’s largest financial support organizations for elephants. At the same time Elephant Parade events will attract worldwide attention as well as much needed public awareness and support for the cause of elephant preservation: Elephant Parade elephants will not go unnoticed by the wider public!
Background
Friends of the Asian Elephants (www.elephants-soraida.com) is an organization run by Miss Soraida Salwala, was founded in 1993 and runs the first elephant hospital in the world. Located in Lampang, Soraida’s mission is to help and cure elephants which are injured or suffering from disease and illness. At the hospital they receive professional and dignified treatment.
Marc Spits, who together with his son Mike initiated Elephant Parade, met Miss Salwala in 2004 and found that Friends of the Asian Elephants needed more funds to carry on its campaign for the dignity and survival of Asian elephants.
The Asian elephant needs urgent attention and support. At the turn of the last century there were an estimated 300,000 elephants living in Thailand. By 1960 this figure had dropped to about 40,000. Today, a mere 1,500 elephants live in the wild, with about 3,000 more kept in captivity. Worldwide there remain between 40,000 and 50,000 Asian elephants, of which 16,000 live in captivity. If we don’t act now, the Asian elephant may soon become extinct.
Learn More/FAE
Brigitte Bardot Foundation
Since 2003, the Brigitte Bardot Foundation actively supports “Friends of the Asian Elephants”, a Thai association for animal protection run by Soraida Salwala.
In 1994, the association built the first hospital for elephants. 600 tamed elephants have been cured to this day. They had suffered from ill-treatment (overexploited, underfed) and antipersonnel mines.
To support this unusual initiative, the BBF decided to finance the elephants’ food and will take five permanent residents in charge.
Learn More/FAE
Prostheses Foundation/Thai
Prostheses Foundation/English
http://www.forsvaraelefanterna.nu/FFE_lankar.php
The Eyes of Thailand
“U.S. documentary features the Friends of the Asian Elephant”
In 1993, Thailand boasted 40,000 Thai Asian Elephants. Fourteen years later, there were less than 2,600 left in captivity. In response to this staggering decline, a North American theatre company, known as “The Chiang Mai Project”, traveled to northern Thailand to raise international awareness about the rapid extinction of one of Thailand’s national icons. Once there, they learned that not only are the Thai Asian Elephants endangered, but the remaining elephants are overworked, abused, or disfigured from landmine injuries.
Soraida Salwala, the passionate founder of the Friends of the Asian Elephant, continues to risk her life every day to treat and protect the elephants from further abuse at the first ever Elephant Hospital. Witnessing her tireless commitment, love and determination, the actors began to look at the world, their lives, and their craft from a new perspective.
Produced, Written and Directed by Windy Borman, with music provided by Singer/Songwriter Amie Penwell, D.V.A. Productions presents a documentary that asks you to question your ideas, believe art can change lives, and look at the world through “The Eyes of Thailand.”
View the film’s trailer at:
youtube.com
video.yahoo.com
dailymotion.com