Hospitals only for elephants
Thai Elephant Conservation Center
- Financed by the state
- More than 50 elephants, including “holy” white elephants
- Affiliated elephant hospital
- Free care for sick animals, including employed flying doctors.
Friends of the Asian Elephant
- Oldest elephant hospital in the world
- Financed by donations
- Special focus on victims of landmines: Mosha and Motula
Lifesaving: Elephant hospitals in Thailand
Thail Elephant Conservation Center
The Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC) is one of the largest and most important elephant projects in Northern Thailand. Established in 1993 and funded directly from the Thai Royal Family, it utilizes a vast area spanning many square kilometers. Therefore, there is a training center for mahouts, more than 50 elephants permanently residing here, as well as an elephant hospital. Particularly noteworthy, yet unfortunately not publicly accessible, are the six white elephants currently housed in the royal stables. However, the enormous tuskers that can be observed on the premises are also incredibly impressive.
The hospital reveals the position that elephants hold in Thai society. No other animal receives the honor of being cared for by specifically trained doctors. On-site care is equally free for every elephant owner, just as calling upon the numerous doctors who also examine and treat elephants at the location of their respective elephant camps.
Friends of the Asian Elephant
Located near the TECC is the donation-based project called Friends of the Asian Elephant. The hospital located here is on par with the neighboring state-owned hospital. Two very special elephants have generated particular media attention. The two ladies, Motala and Mosha, independently stepped on landmines many years ago, resulting in the unfortunate loss of one of their front legs. “Especially the younger one, Mosha, has been leading a relaxed life at FAE with the specifically designed prosthesis.
