Baby elephant up for “adoption’

PHUKET: The Elephant Help Project (EHP) has appealed for people to “adopt” the soon-to-be-born calf of 18-year-old elephant Sairoong, who is expecting to see in the New Year with her first baby. The arrival of the newborn jumbo will not be a first just for Sairoong, according to Chotika Hotrapavanon, Executive Director of the EHP. She told the Gazette that Sairoong’s calf will also be the first elephant born on the island. Elephants are not native to Phuket; elephant-trekking companies bring them down from the north to work in tour camps. Sairoong works for elephant-trekking company Baan Chang, in Chalong. People are welcome to visit the expectant mother, but are advised that since she is in the last month of her 22-month pregnancy, Sairoong is easily irritated. Gifts of fruit are appreciated. Individuals, families, companies, schools or clubs may set up sponsorships. Donations will go towards food and medicine for the mother and calf, and towards the EHP’s fund to buy a well-equipped mobile elephant clinic. Those wishing to make a donation should contact the EHP (Tel: 01-6143312; Email: help@elephanthelp.org; Website: https://www.elephanthelp.org ).