"The driving force behind my research is conservation".
Elephants in Nepal occupy a precarious position. On one hand, they are a beloved cultural icon, and Nepal contains the largest concentration of elephants. On the other hand, decreasing and fragmented habitat combined with high elephant densities leads to human-elephant conflict. Unfortunately, human-elephant conflict is not only detrimental to individual elephants and elephant populations, but it also can be devastating to the physical and economic security of human communities that share landscapes with elephants and other wildlife.
"An elephant’s path knows no borders—it roams the forests of Nepal and India as one. Who are we to confine their freedom to invisible lines?"
Nepal’s elephant population is a mix of resident and migratory herds. Migratory elephants travel vast distances in search of food, water, and breeding grounds. These journeys often span transboundary landscapes, connecting forest corridors across Nepal and India. Historically, elephants moved freely, but today, their paths are obstructed by human settlements, agriculture, and infrastructure projects. The eastern regions, such as Jhapa, and the western zones, like Bardia, have become hotspots for human-elephant conflict.
While wild elephants struggle with fragmented habitats and human encroachment, captive elephants face a different set of challenges. In Nepal, captive elephants are often used for tourism and religious ceremonies. Many are subjected to inadequate living conditions, lack of proper nutrition, and physical abuse.
MY WORK WITH ELEPHANTS
There are few creatures as majestic and awe-inspiring as elephants. Their intelligence, emotional depth, and sheer size make them one of the most captivating animals on the planet. However, behind their grandeur lies a darker reality: many elephants, especially those used in the tourism industry, face hardships and trauma that are often invisible to the public.
During my internship at the Stand Up 4 Elephants sanctuary in Chitwan, I had the privilege of working with elephants that had experienced such difficult pasts. These elephants, once part of the tourism trade, now found refuge in a sanctuary where they could heal, both physically and emotionally. The time I spent with these magnificent beings has been one of the most fulfilling and eye-opening experiences of my career in wildlife conservation. At the sanctuary, I learned not just about the basic care needs of elephants, but also about the profound impact of human compassion in their rehabilitation process. From foot care to blood draws, and even analyzing their sleep patterns through nighttime CCTV, each day brought new lessons about how we can better serve the needs of these incredible animals.
FOOTCARE HEALTH MONITORING :
One of the most important aspects of my work at the sanctuary was caring for the elephants' feet. Due to their size and the conditions they had been exposed to, many elephants suffer from foot problems. I was trained in foot care techniques, which included rasping the nails and treating foot abscesses. Ensuring that the elephants’ feet were in good health was essential for their overall well-being and mobility.
Assessing an elephant's foot health requires a gentle touch to detect subtle signs of discomfort.
2. BLOOD DRAWING AND HEALTH MONITORING :
Another key responsibility I took on was learning how to draw blood from elephants, particularly from their ears. This process was essential for monitoring their health and detecting any potential medical issues early. Drawing blood from such large animals requires precision and calmness, and I was grateful for the opportunity to learn this crucial skill.
"Practical care for elephants starts here."
3. NIGHTTIME OBSERVATION: SLEEP PATTERNS AND STRESS FACTORS
One unique aspect of my internship involved analyzing nighttime CCTV footage to observe the elephants' sleep patterns. Elephants, like humans, need sufficient rest, but stress and past trauma can disrupt their sleep. By reviewing the footage, we could identify factors affecting their sleep quality, such as noise, changes in their environment, or other stressors.
Analyzing the night behavior of Elephants using CCTV and filling the data sheets
Working with elephants has been a transformative experience, teaching me not just about their care but also about the profound connection between conservation and compassion. Every small step, whether it’s drawing blood, ensuring proper foot care, or simply observing their behavior, contributes to their well-being and reinforces the importance of ethical wildlife practices. As an aspiring conservationist, I carry these lessons forward, committed to creating a better future for these magnificent beings and all wildlife.
The elephant industry, when rooted in ethical practices, has the potential to foster conservation awareness, support local communities, and promote sustainable tourism. My experience highlighted both the challenges faced by elephants and the incredible efforts being made to rehabilitate and care for them. By prioritizing their well-being and advocating for ethical treatment, we can ensure a balance where elephants are not just icons of cultural and ecological significance but also symbols of a compassionate and responsible future
