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An elephant called " Hope"Jumbo Express went to rescue a female elephant who just miscarried. She had been forced back to work, transporting trekking tourists the very next day. She was still bleeding and seriously fatigued when the team received an urgent distress call from the jungle camp owners.
The team would spend three days with her, aiding her recovery and nursing her back to health. Whilst this mother was convalescing they received another call from a police patrol concerning a baby elephant. His mother had just died in front of him and the frightened, confused and scarred infant was desperately alone. Stopping at a market to buy medical supplies, nourishing food and milk powder they continued their arduous fourteen hour journey by bamboo raft and 4 x 4 vehicle, finally reaching the target Karen tribal village after midnight. When they arrived and they went straight to work, treating and caring for the injured baby. Even in the harsh shadows of night they saw the grief and pain of this sick baby. Lamenting the loss of his mother the terrified infant cried and sobbed constantly. His mother had died the previous night the Karen owners knew of no reason for her sudden, unexpected death. They were worried she may have died from a dangerous disease that may have infected her calf. He refused to accept milk and food but would take bananas from the supply brought by the team. He was about one year old, but was so little and skinny for his age. The team was worried that the frail youngster may not survive the journey to recovery. The Karen owners told the team to go and rest, they will stay with the baby elephant during the night and would prepare to send him to Chiang Mai for medical treatment early next morning. Exhausted, the team complied. When they awoke they found the Karen tribesmen had built a comfortable enclosure at the back of the truck prepared to transport him to safety. It was decorated by jungle foliage and tree branches giving it a familiar and cosy appearance for the sick traveller. The journey back to the Chiang Mai took much longer than anticipated, stopping every 15 minutes to let the baby rest and drink. He was very co-operative and relaxed during the trip, eating and drinking throughout the journey. His skin was infested by fleas, ticks and parasites, his body blemished and infected from insect bites. He needed immediately healing car for both body and mind. Elephants are extremely intelligent, affectionate creatures and respond well to the abundant loving care freely offered by the concerned team. When he arrived at his new home he introduced himself by a series of trumpet calls and received replies from his new friend and comrade in distress, Ging Mai. Blood and stool samples were sent to the laboratory for tests. He was given the Thai name of " Yod Doi " because he came from a village 2,200 meters above sea level. His English name is "Hope " We are united in hope that this orphan will survive, be healthy and live a free life. Our ongoing project and elephant haven hopes to provide such space for Hope and his lucky companions. Perhaps he can be our elephant ambassador, showing humans how much elephants and the other animals we share our planet with really respond to love, care and sympathy. "Hopes" recovery and subsequent rejoining with a herd is our aim. The healing of his mind and body will be matched by our efforts to create a haven for needy elephants a place that they can finally consider home.
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