Poaching, deforestation and tourism are three major threats to elephants in Asia, and very few get a second chance in life like Tofu, an 8-month-old elephant rescued from a life in chains in Laos.
“I found Tofu at a horrible tourist riding camp in Laos while investigating another young elephant found stuck in chains for years,
Tofu the eight month old baby elephant before he was rescued, found chained up and ready to be sold to a Chinese zoo. Aaron Jackson
Luckily for Tofu, he now gets to live out the rest of his life without chains or cruelty, after a successful fundraiser set up by Jackson bought his freedom, although he nearly lost him to a Chinese buyer.
Aaron Jackson, president of Planting Peace, is seen with 8-month-old Tofu before the elephant was rescued in Laos. The chain around Tofu’s left front foot is clearly visible. Aaron Jackson
The elephant made it to safety, thanks to Planting Peace.
Tofu will now be transported to a 300-acre facility, where he will live for the next year among other rescued elephants before being moved to a 4,500-acre sanctuary. Aaron Jackson
The use of bull hooks, tourist rides and other forms of cruelty is widely known, yet tourists continue to encourage animal mistreatment in Asia by visiting unethical “sanctuaries.” And just because a camp doesn’t allow riding does not mean it’s “ethical.”
