Fortunately for them one lady is concerned with their plight and devotes much of her time to helping them. Although the mahouts have been with their elephants for a number of years they still need fundamental advice on how to care for their animals. From overwork to worms there are many subjects beyond the scope of most mahouts and Lek visits teach them how to keep their animals healthy, happy and in prime condition. She calls on over one dozen elephants per week and sometimes more than that in one single day. Her travels take her over some very rough terrain accessible only by four wheel-drive vehicles.
Medicine is expensive and most of it comes via donations from well-wishers.
Gem Travel are the main benefactors, using their profits and support services such as transportation to assist wherever they can. The medical help is given free to impoverished mahouts. Without it their elephant would soon succumb to disease and perish. Copyright 1997-2001 Elephant Nature Park. All rights reserved.