Elephant Aid International

Following the grand success of our chain-free pilot program at National Trust for Nature Conservation, Chitwan, Nepal, EAI responded to a request from the Nepali government to create solar powered chain free corrals for all of their 64 working elephants. making Nepal government the first in Asia to go chain-free for captive elephants. Our goal to create chain-free corrals for all of the governments captive-held elephants who live and work in Nepal was realized in 2015 when EAI, working collaboratively with Nepal's Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, build multi-acre solar powered electric fence corrals to replace the tradition of chaining an elephants' legs to a stout wooded post in the ground. By erecting chain-free corrals (power fencing) we are able to safely and securely contain elephants without the need to chain. Over the next several years we built the first chain free corrals at The Elephant Hospital and Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand; At the Bannerghatta Biological Park in India; And at Tiger Tops Elephant Camp in Nepal. In conjunction with the Chain Free Corral project we trained mahouts in Compassionate Elephant Care, a system that utilizes the understanding of elephant biology, psychology and culture in managing elephants to ensure their welfare. Additionally we have consulted with the governemnt of Sri Lanka to redesign both the elephant orphanage and the zoo in order to improve elephant welfare.

Over the past decade we have provided free, bi-annual elephant foot care and training for mahouts, owners, veterinarians and vet techs for over 300 captive-held elephants and they carers in Nepal, Thailand, India, Vietnam and Indonesia. We provide foot trimming services, teach foot trimming skills, oversee the development of in-house foot care programs, offer remote foot trimming and train elephant caregivers in foot health evaluation, provide foot care to promote overall health and prevent the onset of osteomyelitis, and provide the tools and equipment needed to maintain proper foot health.

Employ a wildlife veterinarian in Sauraha, Chitwan National Park, Nepal, to monitor elephant foot health and provide scientific data to address the issues that led to poor foot health, lameness and the development of osteomyilitis in captive-held elephants.

provide an opportunity for the community to become involved in the preparation of Elephant Refuge North America in the US; help to erect chain free corrals in Asia; and to learn foot trimming skills to benefit captive-held elephants in Asia.

A certified program for elephant foot care including classroom and practical requirements resulting in certification.

An 850 natural-habitat refuge for retired captive-held elephants, providing an atmosphere of autonomy, community with compatible elephants, a non breeding, non exhibit, non commercial use facility.