U.S. National Zoo, Thailand Collaborate to Save Elephants

Scientists at the Smithsonian Institution's National Zoo are working with colleagues in Thailand to conserve Asian elephants and other endangered Asian species. The zoo's March 12 celebration of National Thai Elephant Day showcases elephant conservation efforts and the U.S.-Thai partnership.

On a recent spring day in Washington, two diplomats left their desks and headed to the U.S. National Zoo to celebrate National Thai Elephant Day.

U.S. Ambassador to Thailand Kristie Kenney (shown at right, with a zoo staffer) and Deputy Chief of Mission Nantana Sivakua of Thailand highlighted the zoo’s partnership with Thailand to conserve Asian elephants.

“The elephant is not only a national symbol of Thailand, but a symbol of friendship,” Sivakua said. She cited the animal’s status historically as a conveyor of kings and noted that Thailand’s king offered a pair of elephants to U.S. President James Buchanan in the mid-1800s. 

Speaking of recent conservation efforts, Kenney said, “One of the things I’ve been proudest of is our relationships with Thai scientists, academics and park officials.”

The diplomats toured the new elephant facility, where the zoo hopes eventually to house a multigenerational herd living much as it would in a wild habitat.

See also "U.S. National Zoo, Thailand Saving Elephants Together" and the website of the U.S. National Zoo.