Between 1998 until 2002 we had seven elephants under our care. We kept them in government owned land and we were always unsure of just how long this temporary arrangement would last.

The land was suitable for our small herd. They could roam freely on the mountain, browsing and snacking as they pleased. We built one small bamboo hut with an open balcony where mahouts and visitors could stay overnight. Shower and toilet facilities were luxuries we could not afford.

We started a volunteer program to help us with the ever increasing amount of work and, slowly at first, they began to travel from around the world to join us. In 2002 a young visitor from California arrived. Jane told us that she would do what she could to help. She left, shortly afterwards, to return to the US and we kept in touch. Her kind supportive words were very welcome, they gave us will-power and helped us continue. She told us of an impending visit by a man from Texas. He arrived in March 2003 and his name was Bert Von Roemer. We took him to our mountain home where he stayed overnight. Bert asked me about the land we were trying to buy. I tried to show him around by it was difficult to pass through the overgrown grass and thick brambles. Bert told us that he would help obtain this land as a sanctuary for the elephants. I did not build my hopes up too much as we have received dozens of fallow promises in the past.

Just three days later Bert called me and said the money was on it's way via a telegraphic transfer. On 16 April 2003 I walked into the government office and proudly took the land ownership papers from them. The elephants now had a permanent home. We started building immediately and soon had huts for nine mahouts to stay, full-time, at our new park.

As I stood on the hut's balcony and looked over at the herd munching on park grass and the little elephants playing by the river I felt elated and had to pinch myself that this wonderful thing had really happened.

Thanks for Bert and Serengeti Foundation USA who give us this permanent home land and for the unconditional love that he have gave to our herd. Bert Von Roemer - You and your family are the light in the our darkness. You are truly our Elephant Angel.

Also special Thanks for
Nancy Abraham whose Alexander Abraham Foundation helped us expand our land from on other side of the road

Thanks for Antoinette Van De Walter from Bring Elephant Home who bought
the banana plantation for the elephant. Thanks for Rob Faber from Friend of Elephant Holland for donation the land of banana plantation for the elephant. Thanks for all the Foundations, charities and individuals who helped us to raise the money to rescue the elephants at the park. Thanks for all volunteers and visitors for their hard work in helping maintain and develop the park to become a beautiful home for the elephants.

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Starting Elephant Nature Park, a blank canvas!

A rainbow forms over the park

Offloading supplies

Clearing pathways

The essential volunteers help out

Planting trees, a crucial part of our landscape

Building huts at the park

A home under the shade of the mountains