Bunma and her baby Chaba need to be rescued
Today Lek was contacted by an Elephant camp owner to help rescue a mother and baby, bringing them under the care of our organization. The camp owner has been ill for almost one year, and during this time he had to leave the camp and his elephants under the care of others.
With the lack of income during this COVID crisis, everything is more difficult. The owner wants to sell some of his elephants so that he has funds to buy food for the elephants that will remain.
The owner has chosen to let this mother and baby go, because he is concerned about the baby’s health. The elder elephant is a young mother and her first child. For that situation, new mothers have a difficulty when alone, and could really use the help of a herd, and an elder nanny to provide wisdom and care. The current condition of the baby elephant is not so good, with a lower body weight than normal, and her behavior is lethargic and abnormal.
The mother’s name is Bunma, aged 16 years old (born circa 2005). Before COVID, she was employed in elephant shows, performing and painting at the camp.
She gave birth in May 2021, and her baby’s name is Chaba. Since giving birth, the mother elephant has been chained in a small kennel with her baby and is clearly under stress.
It is a difficult decision given this situation. During the days when we try hard to survive, and to mentally close the door to limit any others that might enter our gate, securing well the lives of all who dwell within. But, looking out that window, we see these eyes that beseech us and plead, “Just one more time. Take us home”.
