Provide Emergency Care for Lucky the Elephant

As you know over the past few months, Lucky, our beloved elephant at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center has been battling a rare illness. She was diagnosed with elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV), a virus that can cause a highly fatal hemorrhagic disease in Asian elephants. There are over a dozen strains of EEHV, and this virus is still not well understood by scientists. However, since the first sign of illness, the keepers and vets at the Center have done everything they can to provide her with physical and emotional support. An expert on the disease was flown in with medication that was not available in Cambodia. The antiviral medication alone was $7,000, and her illness required two rounds of treatment - a small price to pay for the well-being of this Endangered animal, but a large expense nonetheless. The extreme steps taken seemed to have helped, and we began to see signs of improvement.

Unfortunately, after contracting EEHV, the virus compromised her immune system and she began battling other infections as well. She continued to fight for her life and the staff and vets also refused to give up and continued to provide her with round-the-clock care. These incredible individuals donated their spare time, leaving their lives and families to sleep at the Center and make sure she was as comfortable as possible.

We are happy to report that Lucky is finally recovering! Although her condition has been unstable for the past few months, we have received a steady stream of support from many generous donors. We would like to thank everyone that has donated towards her care; her improvement would not have been possible without you.

Her story was recently featured on the Today Show and NBC Nightly News. The news reports highlight Lucky's extraordinary painting skills. She was taught how to paint using abuse-free positive reinforcement training. Elephants are extremely intelligent animals and in captivity they require mental stimulation. Lucky's enrichment program was started by the Asian Elephant Art & Conservation Project - an organization that works throughout Asia to provide both captive and wild elephants, a protected and happy, healthy existence. Painting is just one element of our animal enrichment program. Lucky and the other elephants at Phnom Tamao are taken on daily walks and are kept in a large forested enclosure, where they are provided with other enrichment activities including large toys and tires to play with.

Lucky was rescued from traders at the tender age of 6 months, and has been at the Center for almost 15 years. Her gentle nature has made her our Elephant Ambassador, and she has since touched the hearts of thousands and helped inspire the next generation of Cambodians to protect this Endangered species. When the injured elephant Chhouk arrived as a baby, she even took him under her wing and provided the orphaned elephant with motherly comfort. Lucky is an incredible animal that continues to inspire us all. Her treatment has cost the Center $40,000, and so far, we have raised close to $14,000. Every dollar counts, and your gift has made a big difference in this young elephant's life! We hope you will continue to support her care!