Bangkok –
Thailand and State of the White Elephant. This country does make elephant as attractions such as transportation tourist. Of the many elephants, Pai Lin is one of them.
The sad story of a female elephant named Pai Lin is highlighted by the world. This 71 year old elephant suffered permanent back damage.
This terrible thing happened because Pai Lin had worked as a tourist attraction for 25 years! During that time, Pai Lin was forced to carry 6 tourists at once on one trip.
Quoted from The Strait TimesPai Lin was rescued by Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) in 2007. According to Amy Jones, a spokesperson for WFFT, Pai Lin’s condition at that time was really dire.
“Pai Lin arrived in Thailand scared, dehydrated, emaciated and suffering from a respiratory infection which resulted in discharge from the nose and eyes,” he said.
For 25 years, Pai Lin was used as a trekking elephant as a tool for street begging and in the aviation industry for many years. Pai Lin must bring a howdah, a kind of seat that can be filled up to 6 people.
“Because of that, his spine is deformed and he has a lot of scars caused by pressure sores,” he explained.
WFFT also shared a photo of Pai Lin. Pai Lin’s back was sagging from the constant load of tourists.
Elephants themselves have become old attraction stars scattered throughout Southeast Asia.
“While elephants may be known for their strength and size, their backs are not naturally designed to bear weight, as their spines shoot upwards. The constant pressure on their spine from tourists can result in permanent physical damage, which can be seen in our gentle Pai Lin ,” said WFFT project director Tom Taylor.
Now Pai Lin and 22 other rescued elephants live in the WFFT nature reserve in Phetchaburi Province, West Thailand. The elephants are given 24-hour care, special supplements and nutrient-dense food.
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(bnl/wsw)
