As a result of Myanmar’s past isolation, few international organizations have been involved in elephant conservation efforts there, but finally, Lek has seen her hard work pay off. The arrival of Save Elephant Foundation (SEF) Myanmar marks the first international foundation to open in the country and works in tandem with the government and the people. The foundation is run by Burmese and supervised by SEF Thailand with the goal of not just helping elephants, but also providing education to empower locals so that they can improve their communities. Priority is given to strengthening environmental protections and regulations regarding animal welfare in the country. An important service offered by SEF Myanmar is providing veterinary care to elephants in logging camps and offering training for Burmese veterinarians at ENP in Thailand. Medical treatment is given to people living in remote villages, and education provided with the hope of raising awareness for the need to preserve the environment and improve the welfare of animals.
“It took a lot of dedication,” says Lek, “but, I always knew that with education, kindness and compassion, we would be able to help not only the elephants in Myanmar but all living creatures. Over more than 15 years visiting the country, and spending time in the jungle at elephant camps, meeting with officials and more, we were able to help people understand the importance of animal welfare, education, and preserving the environment.”
46 Save Elephant Foundation Magazine 2022.
Save Elephant Foundation Magazine 2022. 47
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker