Trustee Lorraine Miller sent four days at the STEF elephant hospital in Khok Kloi .
Lorraine has been a trustee of STEF for two years, although she first saw the site for the veterinary centre back in 2017 when the land was first acquired, whilst working with STEFs founder Jakrapob Thaotad on another project. Lorraine was eager to get back to Khok Kloi to see how much had changed in those eight years.
STEF Vets and Veterinary Students in action.
Lorraine spent four days with the team at the veterinary centre and was able to assess the progression of the volunteer programme, install some new educational resources for students and see the hospital’s expert elephant vets in action. Lorraine also implemented a camera trap monitoring program in the wetland area to assess native biodiversity that has returned to the site as a result of the rewilding efforts of the team.
Lorraine not only got the opportunity to see Dr Aon and her colleague’s treating elephants in the veterinary hospital but observed the team working closely with the local universities, professors and students, teaching the next generation of Thai veterinarians.
“It was fantastic to see how much effort Dr Aon and the team put into ensuring the interns and volunteers experienced as much as possible, creating meaningful educational experiences that would progress them in their studies and future careers”
Lorraine was also fortunate to meet with the Anglo Thai Society during her visit and to assist in showing them around the site, introducing them to the team and giving them a presentation on the work of the foundation. Due to Lorraine’s background as a zoologist, she also helped facilitate new connections and partnerships with other conservation and animal welfare organisations in the region, sharing knowledge, insight and passion for improving standards of animal care across Thailand.
“It was incredible to see how much has been achieved in such a short time and I cannot wait to see what the future brings for STEF”.
