Learning

The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation Dedicated to Helping Pachyderms and their Mahouts

Published

6 years ago

March 30, 2019

Bchcomber

CHIANG RAI – Sitting on the border of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation (GTAEF) in Chiang Rai recently opened its camp to give local and foreign visitors a chance to experience several educational activities about elephants and mahouts.

Set up in 2006 by the five-star Anantara Hotels chain, the foundation aims to solve the problem of elephants coming to city streets and generally improve elephant welfare in Thailand. Today, all elephants in its camp are rented from different villages to conduct the exclusive mahout and trekking programs for the guests staying at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort and Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle.

“Anantara took over this property with its elephant camp back in 2002. We recognized the potential for tourism in the Golden Triangle and wanted to do more with the land. That gave birth to the idea of setting up the foundation and inviting mahouts to work with us rather than taking the elephants to towns to walk on the streets,” says John Roberts, director of Elephants and Conservation Efforts of Anantara.

“In those days, tourism in this part of the world was still relatively small and the mahouts had no other ways of making money.”

But despite the good intentions, the foundation hasn’t always had it easy. Last year, Anantara Hotels was put in the hot seat after the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) released worrying video footage showing mahouts using bullhooks to beat and jab elephants during the polo matches, resulting in all the big names drawing back their sponsorship.

Anantara took quick action and launched the inaugural King’s Cup Elephant Boat Race and River Festival to replace its annual polo match. The charity event is taking place this weekend, joined by veteran Thai Navy paddlers and international teams from China and the Philippines.

“To improve the situation, we provide a positive and targetted training programme that can help the villagers teach their elephants without using bullhooks or hitting them,” Roberts explains.

“All mahouts learn the basics for controlling an elephant from their parents. It’s like learning to drive with our parents. It might not be the best way but this is tradition and the techniques have been passed on from generation to generation for 4,000 years. We don’t want to touch their heritage. We just come up with a different way that can help them do better.”

The GTAEF camp in the luxury Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort occupies 2,000 square metres as is home to 25 rescued elephants and a small village of mahouts and their families. Many of elephants here came from the streets but others used to work for illegal logging camps or elephant shows. The camp pays Bt25,000 a month to provide mahouts with an guaranteed income and also supports their spouses in their silk weaving group.

For the recent celebration, the lush jungle was transformed into a ceremonial ground, where a group of elephant spirit men from Surin’s Ban Ta Klang Elephant Village performed a Kui traditional ritual to pay respect to the guardian spirits.

A long table was set up in the middle of the lush grounds packed with offerings and nang pa kam, a sacred 100-year-old robe made from buffalo leather that has been used to capture a wild elephant in the past.

“Being an elephant spirit man is local wisdom and passed down from father to son. We pray in the Kui language and blow sang (a buffalo horn), which is traditionally used to capture wild elephants. The offerings include a chicken chin, a pig head, fruits and bai si,” explains Uncle Chalerm Salangam, 70.

“Today, our village has 300 elephants and we’ve trained a new generation of elephant spirit men to maintain our traditions.”

The elephants themselves were more excited about the buffet, eagerly tucking into watermelons, coconuts, bananas, sweet corn, pumpkins and pineapples.

A short walk from the ceremonial venue, development manager Laddawan Yonthantham was acting as a tour guide to give visitors an introduction to sustainable elephant welfare management.

“About 30 years ago, the government enacted legislation to ban logging in the jungle and mahouts became unemployed. To generate income, they shifted to putting on elephant shows at tourist attractions or took their elephants to the city essentially to beg. Raising elephants is expensive as they need 200 to 300 kilograms of pineapples, watermelons and sugar cane, depending on their weight – and the average weight of an elephant is 2,500 kilograms,” Laddawan says.

“Our camp offers natural space near the river so that the elephants can exercise and eat organic fruits from the local plantations. Initially, we purchased some overworked and street elephants from mahouts but they bought new elephants to sell to us again. So, we rented the elephants and hired the mahouts to conduct eco-friendly activities for our all-inclusive hotel packages.

“Mahouts can take advantage of Anantara’s staff welfare programme, which includes a residence, uniforms and three meals a day. Based on sustainable living, it aims to keep them from falling back into the same cycle.”

Hotel guests can register for trekking and riding an elephant or learn the basics of being a mahout while the elephants get additional exercise. As we walk around the property, we see domesticated giant Bo and her friends jumping into the Ruak river and having fun in the clear water as they take their daily bath.

“We limit work to three-and-a-half hours and even have a customized exercise routine for elephants so that they can stay healthy. They love jumping into a mud pond to cool down,” says Laddawan.

Mahout Wattana Salangam and his giant friend Bo have worked with the elephant camp for 14 years. Before that they were in Bangkok, roaming the streets to earn money.

“I was in debt so I took Bo to Bangkok. We would walk around the streets and would collect about Bt2,500 a day. We made ourselves a camp on vacant land to save money. Then we moved to the elephant foundation in Phetchaburi and had to take care of many elephants, most of them belonging to other people. It was dangerous because most elephants only obey their owners,” Wattana says.

“Here, I started on a salary of Bt18,000 and now receive up to Bt25,000, plus extra income from guest activities. I’m happy to work here. My elephant has enough food no matter if I have work or not.”

“Our foundation doesn’t support mahouts to breed their elephants. Today, there are more than 4,200 house elephants and not all of them live in good conditions. We can’t release them to the forest because they have no skills to survive. Normally, elephants live in a group and don’t accept strangers,” Laddawan says.

An in-house veterinarian team is in charge at the positive reinforcement target training station where elephants learn to perform certain tasks such as raising a foot in a purely positive manner. A small branch is used but no punishments are meted out. Instead the elephants quickly learn about rewards.

“Our camp set up this training in cooperation with Dr Gerardo Martinez, a world renowned large animal trainer from the Africam Safari Park in Puebla, Mexico. This target training can be used to train the elephant in the event that they need veterinary treatment. It can help feel free and release stress for both elephant and vet,” says Laddawan.

The camp also conducts Elephant Cognition (problem solving) Research. Here, visitors can see the elephants using their trunks to pick up tokens of different textures and work as a team.

Veteran British Animal Osteopath Tony Nevin teaches visitors how to massage the elephants – Photo Pattarawadee Saengmanee

Next door was the space for Elephant Osteopathy Demonstrations undertaken in collaboration with veteran British animal osteopath Tony Nevin. Adapted from techniques used with humans, the massage treatment is designed to relieve muscle tension and pain.

“We focus on the elephant’s spine and balance while walking. The massage starts from the neck and goes from rib to hip. This treatment can be used for other animals too, like giraffes, horses and ostriches,” Nevin says.

The Walking with Giants activity takes place in the early morning and takes guests to explore a trekking trail around the camp and learn about daily life of elephants. For example, elephants splash dirt over their back to chase bugs and black dung means they are eating too much dirt probably have flatulence.

“For the next step, we are focusing more on mass tourism. Western guests are still concerned about the unfortunate reports from last year but Chinese guests, who are now our biggest visitors, are not so worried. We are trying to find more staff for the elephant camp and we are also trying to develop facilities for those wanting to experience the trekking camp,” director Roberts says.

“In terms of conservation, we have teamed up with US Agency for International Development (USAID) to teach travellers not to buy ivory. We’re also working with Srinakharinwirot University, which is going to send students to the area where villagers are facing problems with elephants coming out from the forest. We will try to identify what is the best practice to keep both people and elephants happy when they come out from the national park.

By Pattarawadee Saengmanee
The Nation

Learning

First-Time Buyer’s Guide to the UK Property Market

Published

6 months ago

July 20, 2024

Freelancer

First-Time Buyer’s Guide to the UK Property Market

Entering the UK property market as a first-time buyer can feel both exciting and daunting. The process is filled with potential pitfalls and complex decisions, but with the right guidance, it can be navigated smoothly. The estate agents in Yorkshire demystify the journey from the initial decision to buy a home to the moment you step over the threshold of your new property.

Understanding Your Financial Position

The first and perhaps most crucial step in the home-buying process is understanding your financial situation. This includes assessing your savings, income, and current debts. Here’s how you can prepare:

1. Deposit: Generally, you’ll need at least 5% of the property price as a deposit, though aiming for 10% or more can provide better mortgage rates.

2. Income and Expenses: Use a budget planner to assess your monthly income against your expenses. This will help you understand how much you can afford in monthly mortgage repayments.

3. Credit Score: Lenders will evaluate your credit score to determine your mortgage eligibility. So it’s important to have a good credit score, and you should work on it if required.

4. Mortgage Options: Speak to a mortgage advisor to understand different types of mortgages, such as fixed-rate, variable-rate, and help-to-buy schemes.

Getting a Mortgage Agreement in Principle

A Mortgage Agreement in Principle (AIP) is a statement from a lender indicating how much they’ll likely lend you. You will be a more attractive buyer with an AIP as it shows sellers you’re serious and financially prepared.

Deciding What You Want

Before you start viewing properties, it’s essential to know what you’re looking for. Consider the following factors:

1. Location: Proximity to work, schools, public transport, and amenities are key. Research neighbourhoods to find the best fit for your lifestyle.

2. Property Type: Decide whether you want a flat, terraced house, semi-detached, or detached property. Each has its pros and cons.

3. Must-Haves: Make a list of non-negotiables, such as the number of bedrooms, garden size, and parking facilities.

4. Future Proofing: Consider your future needs. Are you planning to start a family? Do you need space for a home office?

Starting the Property Search

With a clear idea of what you’re looking for, you can begin your property search. Here are some tips:

1. Use Online Portals: Websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and OnTheMarket are excellent starting points. Set up alerts to get notified of new listings that meet your criteria.

2. Visit Estate Agents: Register with local estate agents who can provide insights into the market and inform you of new properties before they’re listed online.

3. Attend Viewings: Don’t rush this part. Visit several properties to get a feel for what’s available in your price range.

Making an Offer

Once you find a property you love, it’s time to make an offer. Here’s how to approach it:

1. Research: Check the selling prices of similar properties in the area to gauge a fair offer.

2. Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate. The starting point is most usually the asking price.

3. Conditions: You might include conditions in your offer, such as the inclusion of certain fixtures or a specific moving date.

The Legal Process

If your offer is accepted, the legal process begins. You’ll need a solicitor or licensed conveyancer to handle the legalities. Here’s what to expect:

1. Conveyancing: This is the legal transfer of property ownership. Your solicitor will handle this, including conducting searches, dealing with the Land Registry, and transferring the funds.

2. Surveys and Inspections: Arrange for a property survey to check for structural issues. There are different types of surveys, from basic condition reports to full structural surveys.

3. Mortgage Finalisation: Once the survey is complete and satisfactory, your mortgage can be finalised.

4. Exchange of Contracts: This is when the sale becomes legally binding. You’ll pay your deposit at this stage.

5. Completion: On the agreed completion date, the remaining money is transferred, and you receive the keys to your new home.

Moving In

Moving day can be hectic, but planning can ease the stress:

1. Hire a Removal Company: Book a reliable removal company well in advance. Discover the best deals by getting quotes from multiple companies.

2. Pack Strategically: Label your boxes by room and keep essential items accessible.

3. Notify Utilities and Change Address: Inform your utility providers of your move date and update your address with banks, the DVLA, and other important institutions.

Settling In

Get settled. Introduce yourself to the neighbours, familiarise yourself with the local area, and really start to make the place your own.

Here are a few final tips:

1. Safety Checks: Make sure that your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working, and make sure that you know where the gas and electricity meters are located.

2. Maintenance Plan: Keep a record of the smooth functioning of your new home with a maintenance schedule, complete with regular checks and seasonal tasks.

3. Personal Touches: Add personal touches to make the space feel like home. This can be from putting up family photos or redoing the decoration in your rooms.

Conclusion

Buying your very first home in the UK is most definitely a milestone, difficult and full of challenges but rewarding in the end. Such a philosophy guides you in understanding finances and knowing what you want to achieve from detailed research, and seeking professional advice that confidently helps you navigate the property market. Yes, the journey may have its hurdles, but in the end—owning your own home—the reward will be worth the effort. Welcome to your new chapter!

Learning

5 Health Benefits of Regular Pedicures

Published

6 months ago

July 20, 2024

Freelancer

There’s nothing quite like a pedicure to keep your feet looking and feeling their best, but did you know that pedicures do more than simply enhance the appearance of your feet? Many people don’t realize that regular pedicures can come with a wide range of health benefits that can promote the well-being of your feet, so here are some ways that your routine pedicure keeps both your toenails and feet in the best condition possible!

Smoother Skin

One of the biggest misconceptions about pedicures is that they only cater to and look after your toenails. While you’ll definitely be leaving each session with a fresh coat of nail polish, your pedicure can also do wonders for the health of your skin. Aside from trimming and shaping your nails and cuticles, you’ll notice that your nail technician also dedicates a few steps to the skin of your feet.

After inspecting your feet and looking for any issues or imperfections that may need to be addressed, your technician will work on an exfoliating scrub to remove any dead skin cells. This step may also be aided by a foot file, which can be used to buff away any calluses and other problem areas manually.

Softer Skin

After your nail technician addresses all the problem areas of your feet and removes any unwanted dead skin cells, he or she will often massage in a moisturizing product, such as lotion, cream, or butter, to ensure that your skin is properly moisturized. These products contain skin-loving ingredients that will ensure that your feet have everything they need to look and feel their best so that you can walk out of your pedicure with a renewed sense of confidence.

Healthier Nails

After your pedicure session, your nails will not only look better due to the fresh coat of nail polish, but they’ll also be healthier and stronger. This is because your nail technician takes their time to ensure that your nails are properly looked after through steps that include deep cleaning, nail trimming, nail filing, and cuticle care. All of these things work together to prevent issues like ingrown nails from occurring, all the while improving the appearance of your nails.

Increased Blood Circulation

While the specific steps included in your pedicure will depend on the beauty salon, most pedicures will have a massage step somewhere in the mix. One of the often overlooked benefits of these massages is the increased blood circulation, which can deliver more nutrients and oxygen to your feet and nails, promoting their health and appearance. Aside from that, better blood flow means reduced tension and soreness, as well as better distributed heat throughout your body.

Reduced Infections

A significant amount of dirt and bacteria can build up on your feet without you even realizing it, but pedicures can be a great way to prevent these from happening in the first place. The exfoliation step of a pedicure removes dead skin cells as well as all the debris that may have accumulated underneath, and the deep cleaning of your toenails and cuticles also gets rid of any impurities that may have slipped beneath them, which can stop infections from happening.

These are some of the many health benefits that you can look forward to at your next pedicure appointment. However, it’s worth noting that you need to book regular sessions to truly reap all the rewards. This can be difficult, especially when you don’t feel like driving to your nearest nail salon after a long day, but the good news is that you can enjoy the salon experience in the comfort of your own home with a home pedicure service.

Learning

Commercial Boiler Installation Services London

Published

6 months ago

July 19, 2024

Freelancer

Commercial Boiler Installation Services London

For businesses in the bustling city of London, having a reliable heating system is crucial. Whether you’re opening a new office, expanding your current premises, or simply upgrading an outdated system, commercial boiler installation services for businesses in London are essential to ensure your operations run smoothly and efficiently. Proper installation and maintenance of commercial boilers can make a significant difference in energy efficiency, cost savings, and the overall comfort of your workspace.

The Importance of Professional Installation

When it comes to installing a commercial boiler, professional expertise is paramount. Here’s why:

Efficiency and Performance: Professional installation ensures that your boiler operates at peak efficiency, reducing energy consumption and lowering utility bills. A well-installed boiler can effectively meet the heating demands of your business without unnecessary energy waste.
Safety: Commercial boilers are complex systems that require precise installation to operate safely. Professional installers adhere to stringent safety standards and regulations, minimizing the risk of accidents and ensuring the safety of your employees and premises.
Compliance with Regulations: Commercial properties are subject to various building codes and regulations. Professional installers are well-versed in these requirements and ensure that your boiler system complies with all local laws and standards.
Longevity and Reliability: Proper installation is critical to the longevity and reliability of your boiler. A professional installation can prevent common issues such as leaks, pressure problems, and system failures, ensuring that your boiler runs smoothly for years to come.

Key Considerations for Commercial Boiler Installation

When planning for a commercial boiler installation, several factors need to be considered:

Type of Boiler: The type of boiler you choose will depend on your business’s specific needs. Options include gas boilers, oil boilers, and electric boilers, each with its own set of advantages. Consulting with a professional can help you determine the best choice for your business.
Sizing and Capacity: The boiler’s size and capacity must match the heating demands of your commercial space. An undersized boiler will struggle to meet your needs, while an oversized one will lead to inefficiencies and higher costs.
Location: The placement of your boiler affects its efficiency and accessibility for maintenance. Professional installers can help you choose the optimal location for your boiler.
Integration with Existing Systems: If you’re upgrading or replacing an existing boiler, it’s essential to ensure compatibility with your current heating system. Professional installers can seamlessly integrate the new boiler with your existing setup.

Choosing the Right Installation Service

Selecting the right installation service provider is crucial to the success of your boiler installation project. Consider the following when making your choice:

Experience and Expertise: Look for a provider with a proven track record in commercial boiler installations. Experienced installers can handle the complexities of commercial systems and provide high-quality workmanship.
Reputation: Check reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge the provider’s reliability and customer satisfaction.
Comprehensive Services: Choose a provider that offers a full range of services, including installation, maintenance, and repair. This ensures that all your boiler needs are met by a single, trusted source.

In London, ROWLEN is a reputable name known for delivering top-notch commercial boiler installation services. Their team of experts is dedicated to providing efficient, safe, and compliant installations tailored to the unique needs of businesses.

Conclusion

Investing in professional commercial boiler installation services for businesses in London is essential for ensuring efficiency, safety, and long-term reliability. By choosing an experienced and reputable service provider like ROWLEN, you can rest assured that your heating system will be installed correctly and maintained to the highest standards. Proper installation not only enhances the performance of your boiler but also contributes to the overall comfort and productivity of your business environment.

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