Jill Litwack,
Florida

These are questions I struggle with every day while sitting in the safety of my home. My guess is many of us who follow your journey would love the opportunity to work more closely with the elephants. However, the reality is only a small number of people, like you, have the real ability and courage to deal with the harsh conditions ever-present on the front lines of such a difficult situation. I admire you immensely.

However, admiration will not save the elephants or other animals subject to abuse in culturally diverse populations. What does religion have to do with it? Probably a lot. What does education have to do with it? Probably everything. Why do people act in ways that seem so contradictory to their perceived religious doctrines? Who knows. We are in a race against time to save elephants, and other species, in a world where human populations are exploding and competition for land and resources will only increase.

Unfortunately, I am not optimistic the next generation in Asia, Africa, the U.S. and worldwide, will be substantially better educated or more compassionate towards animals to the level that is required to save a large percentage in their native country. It will take several generations for substantial cultural change to take place and I am not confident elephants, rhinos, and many other threatened species have that much time.

Certainly, Carol, your actions in the field immediately improve the lives of the animals you directly assist, and educating mahouts to more enlightened approaches of handling elephants is essential. Without this type of field education there can be very little progress or hope of changing attitudes.

However, the reality is we still have elephants standing on their head in U.S. circuses, being bred in zoos nationwide and separated from their family, standing on concrete all day, confined to inadequate spaces, and the list goes on. Yes, there are pockets of improvement and the general public is certainly more aware of animal abuse and is beginning to insist on stronger animal protection laws. However, these changes, which are most effective long-term, require a cultural shift. Unfortunately, in the short-term, the progress may be too slow to save many species given the reality and complexity of inter-related cultural and economic conditions.

So what to do? I, personally, believe that it will be nearly impossible to save many elephants, and other species, in their native country due to competition for resources and the lack of alternative income opportunities. I think the only hope for elephants, and many other species, may be an increased number of privately-held sanctuaries (The Elephant Sanctuary, PAWS, BLES, etc.) to be developed worldwide.

How does that happen? I, and other like-minded people, have to dig a little deeper into our pockets to support the financial needs of starting and maintaining these organizations, support eco/animal-friendly tourism programs, and support all efforts to place people in office who support humane causes worldwide. In addition, more humane organizations will need to collaborate to be more effective … strength in numbers.

In addition, I believe, some type of direct “rewards” program may be helpful if implemented in different communities. Is there jewelry or handmade goods that we could purchase from different local groups if they implement and maintain humane guidelines? If we purchase their goods, can a percentage be set-aside for the ongoing care of the animals? Ultimately, people need money and jobs to support their families, and any humane program, or shift in cultural thinking, will have to involve some type of cost/benefit initiative. It has to be more beneficial for people to sell goods than have a picture of themselves taken with an elephant or ride on an elephant.

Carol, please tell us what you need to ensure your safety and those of the elephants and other animals you are helping. My guess is quite a few of us are unaware of many of the challenges you face daily and we want to help.