The Story of Kiri and Seila

 

EARS was assisting with the care of Kiri and Seila at Teuk Chhou Zoo in Cambodia from May 2012 to 24th September 2015. In 2012, an independent wildlife organisation had taken over the entire management of the zoo and was seeking support for the elephants. Due to EARS' presence in Cambodia overseeing the care of Sombo, we could not turn our back on the plea to help Kiri and Seila.

 

The first stage saw us building a spacious new enclosure generously funded by Fiona Hardie Ltd in Hong Kong and Beijing Infinity in China. We provided a full time Elephant Keeper, a Project Manager, and additional staff to assist with cutting vegetation from the local plantations for the elephants' daily food supply such as grasses, banana trees, sugarcane, bamboo, and other available produce depending on the season. We also included trucks of sand and enrichment on a regular basis.

 

Unfortunately the relationship between the zoo owner and the wildlife organisation ended in November 2012 leaving EARS with a very difficult decision as to whether to stay. Without any doubt we could not leave the two elephants to revert back to their previous existence and therefore remained steadfast in our commitment and responsibility.

 

Internationally, there are ongoing debates with regards to elephants living in a captive zoo facility. Here at EARS, we would of course prefer that elephants live in the wild, but we believe in helping all elephants including those living in zoos. They deserve our help just as much as every other elephant.

 

Kiri and Seila, both in their early 20's, have not endured the breaking of the spirit training, are not forced to work, and have never known chains. They roam throughout a large field and are free to express their individual personalities. With a very long life ahead of them, we do however believe that they should be living in a natural habitat, and this we hope to achieve one day.

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April 2016

We are delighted to announce, via an official letter we received from Kagoshima City Mayor Hiroyuki Mori, that the proposed international zoo swap of Kiri and Seila from Teuk Chhou Zoo in Cambodia to Hirakawa Zoo in Japan has officially been CANCELLED.

We applaud and humbly thank Hirakawa Zoo, Kagoshima City Council, and the Japanese and Cambodian authorities for embracing the unprecedented decision to cancel the trade of the two famous Cambodian elephants, Kiri and Seila, whom will now remain in their home country of Cambodia.

We are grateful for the support we received from a number of international wildlife NGOs for collaborating with us on this important trade issue:
- Voice for Zoo Animals Japan
- Asia for Animals Coalition (comprising of 16 international wildlife organisations)
- Wild Welfare
- Zoo Check Canada
We would also like to thank The Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums (JAZA) for recognizing our concerns in regards to the trade and the elephants' welfare

With the combined efforts of our supporters sending in letters, children taking part in our #ChildrenAreOurFuture campaign, and media attention, we have not only protected Kiri and Seila from the ordeal of an international move, but together we have also prevented white tigers and other African wildlife from being sent to the deplorable conditions of Teuk Chhou Zoo.

Due to the cancellation of this wildlife trade agreement, the Cambodian government is now in a position to positively focus on the preservation of its diverse wildlife and rich forest habitats.