Elephants and Birds in Asia

Surin, Thailand, is a region steeped in the rich heritage of the Kuy people and their sacred bond with elephants. My exploration led me to Wat Paarjeng, an elephant temple not only revered for its religious significance but also for its artistic splendor and cultural importance. Perched alongside the Elephant Museum, Wat Paarjeng stands out with its grand elephant sculptures that seem to guard the temple's serenity. These aren't just monumental statues; the temple walls themselves are a tapestry of intricate elephant figures, etched into the stone, telling tales of history and mythology. During my visit, I observed that Wat Paarjeng was a work in progress, echoing the continuous journey of the Kuy tribe's culture itself. The local community's labor breathes life into the temple's expansion, a testament to their collective spirit and dedication to preserving their heritage. Offering a donation, I had the privilege of a purification ritual and received an amulet, both...

The Thatum District is home to a heartwarming elephant sanctuary, nestled an hour's journey from Buriram Airport, known as Banrai Baibun. This haven is not just a sanctuary for the majestic elephants but also a rescue home for cows, chickens, and dogs that have been saved from strenuous labor and the threat of slaughterhouses. At Banrai Baibun, the Kuy community upholds a profound traditional bond with elephants, embodying trust, love, and a spiritual connection to these gentle giants. The Kuy, an ethnic group from the Surin province, celebrate their time-honored methods of elephant care, revering the shrine of Pakam and maintaining their faith in these age-old practices. Among the sanctuary’s elephant residents is Buatong, a 13-year-old female, who was once subjected to the grueling task of hauling lumber in southern Thailand. Touched by her plight, the Kee's compassionate approach led them to purchase her freedom. Similarly, Kun Chang, an elder male elephant with vision in on...

As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the globe, confining many of us to our homes, I discovered a silver lining during my virtual travels on YouTube live streams. It was here that I first met the residents of Banrai Baibun, an elephant sanctuary born out of love and necessity during these unprecedented times. Thailand’s tourism industry was one of the many casualties of the pandemic. Kee, an elephant keeper, faced the heart-wrenching decision to sell his beloved elephant, Plai Mam, at a reduced price. It was a moment of desperation until the incredible happened: Plai Mam, along with Kun Chang, the older elephant, broke free and seemingly pleaded with Kee to reconsider. Moved by their actions, Kee rescinded his decision. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of a heartwarming journey that would lead to the birth of elephant girl Baibun on November 2, 2020, and later, the establishment of the Banrai Baibun farm—a sanctuary that would become a haven for these gentle giants. https://el...