Mohnyin Township in Kachin State is one of the most forest-rich areas in Myanmar and home to a large population of privately owned elephants. These elephants play an important role in local livelihoods, yet their long-term survival faces significant challenges.

     Limited access to veterinary expertise, combined with gaps in knowledge among elephant owners and mahouts, has made proper healthcare difficult to ensure. Given that elephants are large, long-lived animals, they are especially vulnerable to injuries, chronic conditions, and infectious diseases if not properly managed.

     To address these challenges, Friends of Wildlife (FOW), with support from Welttierschutz-Gesellschaft e.V. (WTG), is implementing a project focused on improving the health and welfare of privately owned elephants in Mohnyin District.

         Key threats to elephant well-being in the region include:
• Injuries
• Overwork
• Special care needs for calves and elderly elephants
• Malnutrition
• Diseases and infectious outbreaks

Why Elephants Matter

        Elephants are not just iconic animals—they are essential to the health of entire ecosystems. Often referred to as “ecosystem engineers,” they help maintain biodiversity by dispersing seeds, shaping forest structure, creating pathways, and even supporting water availability. Protecting elephants means protecting the broader environment that countless species depend on.

What We Are Doing

        Through this project, FOW is working closely with local communities to improve elephant care and management. Key activities include:
• Regular health check-ups and veterinary treatment
• Disease prevention and emergency response services
• Training for elephant owners and mahouts on basic healthcare
• Promoting humane training methods using positive reinforcement
• Supporting the management of musth elephants
• Establishing elephant owner associations and strengthening their capacity
• Providing livelihood support to local stakeholders

A Story of Survival

       One powerful example highlights the importance of timely intervention.

An 18-year-old female elephant went missing while foraging in the forest. Her tether had become entangled in a tree stump, leaving her trapped and struggling for weeks. During this time, no one was able to locate her.

      After nearly a month, a search team found her on a steep hillside covered in dense bamboo. She was unable to move, and the chain had cut deep into her leg, causing severe wounds and infection.

      The FOW veterinary team responded immediately. Using anesthesia and proper medical procedures, they carefully removed the embedded chain and treated her wounds with antibiotics and supportive care.

       Within a few weeks, her condition improved significantly. She regained strength, and her wounds began to heal—turning what could have been a fatal situation into a story of recovery and hope.

Community Involvement

       Local communities play a vital role in this work. Elephant owners and mahouts actively report health issues, assist in treatment, and participate in training programs.

An early warning and reporting system has also been established, allowing timely communication for vaccinations, deworming, and emergency care. This collaboration is essential for building a sustainable approach to elephant conservation.

Impact So Far

• Over 780 veterinary treatments have been delivered
• Human-elephant conflict has been reduced through improved elephant management
• Positive reinforcement training has strengthened safe coexistence between people and elephants

Challenges on the Ground

Despite progress, significant challenges remain:
• Difficult access to remote forest areas
• Security constraints affecting field operations
• Lack of a permanent veterinary care facility
• Limited diagnostic equipment and reliance on mobile clinics
• Delays caused by poor transportation, weather, and communication barriers

Looking Ahead

FOW is committed to strengthening its efforts in the region. Future plans include:
• Establishing a dedicated elephant veterinary care center
• Developing sustainable grazing areas and planting elephant food sources
• Building facilities for long-term care and resource storage

Join the Effort

      Protecting elephants requires collective action. By supporting conservation efforts, raising awareness, and promoting responsible elephant care, we can ensure a future where humans and elephants coexist in balance.

“Every elephant saved is a step toward protecting an entire ecosystem.”