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Rescue Mission Saves Jungle Divas
In spite of Bali's recent tragedy and gross effects on the tourism economy, Bali Adventure Tours has confirmed they are still committed to embark on an uplifting rescue mission to save
10 rare and endangered female Sumatran elephants from the region of Riau, deep in Sumatra. The mission will include saving 2-orphaned babies, bringing the 10 strong herd to the safe
haven of the Elephant Safari Park in Taro, Central Bali. See photos below.
The salvage effort to release the elephants from Sumatra, where they suffer from dehydration and starvation due to the lack of natural resources, has been the driving force behind the
tour operators Elephant Safari Park Foundation. The Foundations efforts have enabled the transmigration, conservation and rehabilitation of these, and other Sumatran Elephants, over the
Parks' 5 year history.
The inspiring story and salvage mission has since attracted the attention of an international wildlife documentary film crew who will cover the mammoth event and document the incredible
voyage from Sumatra to the elephant's new home in Bali.
Anticipated to screen to a global audience of millions, the voyage will see park sanctuary owners, conservationists and wildlife advocates, Australian Nigel
Mason and his Balinese wife, Yanie Mason accompany the film crew into remote and harsh regions over a complex six day journey.
"We have been preparing the 10 new elephants for this incredible journey for some time and are thrilled to be able to save this beautiful species from uncertain future. Two of the
elephants are literally 'babes from the woods' at only 1.5 years and 2 years of age. The youngest of the two is orphaned and at just 1 meter tall she is still being hand fed," said
Nigel Mason.
The salvage mission has involved a team of experienced elephant handlers who have been preparing the elephants for the homecoming trip, feeding, tending, and vet checking their medical
and health conditions to ensure safety before the lengthy journey.
An enormous logistics exercise for the journey to be accomplished is required. The 30 person team will traverse three islands of Sumatra, Java and Bali in a convoy of buses, plus use
helicopter transfers, five long haul trucks, two ferries and an incredible amount of elephant food totalling 9,000kg during the 2,500 km long voyage.
The journey will be a non-stop effort direct from Sumatra to Bali to minimize any trauma to the elephants before they reach Bali's only elephant sanctuary, The Elephant Safari Park,
where 17 previously rescued elephants are also housed.
Funds formerly raised from the parks' Elephant Foundation scheme has assisted Bali Adventure Tours in bringing the elephants to Bali, helping to
save and preserve the rare and endangered Sumatran elephant species. |
