Elephants are receiving critical medical treatment — thanks to the generosity of advocates like you.
With support from Lady Freethinker donors, sick and wounded elephants in Cambodia are getting the care they need to heal and thrive.
Courtesy of E.L.I.E.
LFT has provided a grant to the Elephant Livelihood Initiative Environment (E.L.I.E.) and the Elephant Valley Project sanctuary (EVP) to help operate a mobile veterinary care program for elephants in need. The dedicated team travels across the region to provide emergency and routine care to both wild and community elephants.
Through this mobile program, veterinarians are treating wounds, soothing painful skin conditions, and providing essential medications for eye infections. Each visit offers these gentle giants relief, comfort, and a chance at a healthier life.
Courtesy of E.L.I.E.
Founded in 2006 in Mondulkiri, Cambodia, E.L.I.E. is a nonprofit dedicated to protecting elephants and supporting the Indigenous Bunong communities who care for them. The organization provides free veterinary care and advocacy for captive and working elephants in the region, as well as education for mahouts (people who work directly with elephants).
In 2007, E.L.I.E. established the Elephant Valley Project — a 3,700-acre sanctuary within Pu Trom’s community forest — as a haven for injured, overworked, and elderly elephants. The refuge offers short- and long-term rehabilitation and retirement programs, while providing fair employment and income opportunities for local families, ensuring both elephants and people can thrive in harmony with their forest home.
Courtesy of E.L.I.E.
EVP also runs an ecotourism program that provides visitors with an ethical, responsible way to experience elephants. Guests can observe the animals as they roam freely through the forest — with no rides, no tricks, and no direct interaction — helping demonstrate what genuine elephant care looks like. Income from these visits supports the organization’s work for elephants and its community.
Like many sanctuaries, however, EVP continues to face funding challenges, particularly as tourism in Cambodia slowly recovers from the pandemic. Lady Freethinker’s grant is helping sustain their work, ensuring both captive and wild elephants continue to receive medical treatment and protection.
Thank you for standing with us to bring healing, hope, and compassion to animals around the world.
