Abigail Hsu - Thailand

This summer, I had the privilege of participating in Global Programs at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. I flew across the Pacific Ocean with my friend and classmate, Liana Kruger-Moore, to visit the Phetchaburi province of central Thailand. Phetchaburi, translating to “City of Diamonds,” is known for its imposing natural scenery, deep cultural heritage, and characteristic cuisine. 

While in Phetchaburi, Liana and I volunteered at Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT). The foundation features four projects centered around animal health and a mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and release. For the first half of my visit, I worked with mahouts and volunteers from around the world to perform tasks pertinent to the husbandry of the foundation’s 22 resident Asian elephants. These elephants have all been rescued from exploitation in the trekking, logging, or entertainment industries. Daily tasks included harvesting banana trees from local farms, feeding banana balls, scattering banana trees and grass, crafting enrichment from banana tree leaves, composting excreta and banana tree scraps, as well as walking and showering the elephants. Elephants are considered sacred in Thailand as the national animal and a representation of royalty. In Buddhism, elephants are regarded as guardians of Buddha, Earth and its temples in addition to symbolizing mental fortitude. My deep-rooted passion for proboscideans and their inextricable connection to Thai culture engendered a familiarity with and respect for the ideals of the Thai people. The convivial hospitality extended by local community members amplified the welcoming atmosphere inherent to Phetchaburi.

Outside of work, Liana and I visited bat caves, night markets, and the Cha-Am beach. We also frequented the nearby village and indulged in rich cuisines with new friends. At Kui Buri National Park in the Prachuap Khiri Khan province, we had the good fortune of sighting a wild Indian elephant herd with a two-month-old calf. As there are only 3,500 wild elephants remaining in Thailand, to bear witness to these ethereal animals in their native habitat was deeply inspiring.

In the second half of my trip, I volunteered at the WFFT’s wildlife hospital, where I was struck by the cohesive clinic culture in addition to the professionalism and immense knowledge demonstrated by the veterinary team. I assisted with Rusa deer castrations, elephant wound management, ventral edema diagnostics and drainage, macaque laser therapy for promotion of wound healing, and additional in-patient treatments. WFFT operates on a myriad of integrated circular economies, including the use of shredded elephant excrement to fertilize trees and origami to fold expendable documents into bags for distribution of pills to out-patients. 

My time in Thailand demonstrated that altruism and a mission to conserve wildlife spans continents, despite differences in language, cultural beliefs, and available resources. I felt compelled by the similarities that bridge distant communities.