ERNA's Elephant Cam Is Up and Running
ERNA's Elephant Cam is up and running and it works like a charm.
Our high definition cameras auto track movement; tilt, pan, zoom in and follow objects; rotate 360 degrees; and have
night vision.
Our thanks to Rodger Lewis, Bryce Hall and their colleagues at Velocity Online, who took on numerous technical challenges to give us a clear and consistent viewing experience.
For now, you'll see branches moving in the wind, butterflies, birds, fox squirrels, coyotes, feral pigs and the occasional ERNA staffer. We will, of course, broadcast elephant arrivals live and give you an unobtrusive window on our residents' explorations of their new home.
But we're not done yet. We're raising
$9,872
to buy, install and network more
cameras to enhance your viewing experience. We appreciate every donation and your continued support.
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ERNA Caregiver Headquarters Renovations
At ERNA, we do everything with elephants in mind and that includes ensuring that our caregivers have the right tools to successfully care for our soon-to-come residents.
We're currently renovating an existing structure to serve as our caregiver headquarters, including overnight facilities, storage area, cooler and food prep kitchen. We're making sure that food storage and food prep areas will be vermin-proof. We're also installing new lighting in the cooler and stainless steel sinks and counter tops in the food prep area. And the entire complex is getting new siding and a fresh coat of paint.
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November: Foot Trimming Workshops in Nepal
EAI will be back in Nepal in November (exact dates to be announced) to conduct our annual
foot trimming workshops
.
The workshops attract a wide range of participants from around the world, including mahouts,
owners,
caregivers, veterinarians, vet techs
and other professionals who work with elephants.
Sponsor a Mahout
Mahouts [elephant handlers] come from the lower socioeconomic rungs of society. Many are unable to attend secondary school, leaving them with limited career opportunities. Following tradition, most marry and have children while in their teens, forcing them to assume a great deal of responsibility at a young age.
EAI operates on the belief that if we want to help elephants, we must help the people who care for them.
That's why we're seeking sponsors for workshop participants. A $50 donation will cover the cost of a mahout's transportation to the workshop, housing, food and a small stipend while at the workshop.
Your donation will set off a wonderful chain of events:
- A mahout will gain the skills and confidence to take better care of his elephant.
- His elephant's health, welfare and quality of life will improve both short- and long-term.
- He will help other mahouts improve their skills and the lives of their elephants.
Your donation is an investment in elephants in Nepal and the people who care for them. Thank you for making a gift that will keep on giving.
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Professionals Invited to Apply
EAI will accept a limited number of professionals to the workshop to learn or enhance their foot trimming skills. Each person accepted into the workshop will be asked to sponsor a mahout and will partner with a mahout for the duration of the workshop.
If you're interested, please watch for our announcement on our
Facebook page
and in our July e-news.
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Indian State Takes Steps to End Elephant Abuse
India's southern coastal state of Kerala recently implemented new regulations to help its captive elephant population.
Many of Kerala's 500-plus captive elephants are used in parades and festivals across the state. They live in poor conditions and suffer from overwork. The state's Forests and Wildlife Department will now be able to take custody of an elephant if there is evidence of abuse or if his/her owners and mahouts disregard guidelines for proper diet and rest. Elephants seized by the government will be cared for at a rehabilitation center in the state capital of Thiruvananthapuram.
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As always, we greatly appreciate your interest, commitment, and help.
We would not be able to do any of this work without your continued support.
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