Image Credit: Forbes.com
2007 was a heck of a year for one Cambodian elephant.
An elephant patrol discovered a young male, starving and in immense pain from a foot injury, clinging to life in a remote corner of northeastern Cambodia. They named the sickly elephant Chhouk.
After transporting him to a safe location, the real work began.
The Wildlife Alliance worked to gain Chhouk’s trust, finally moving and treating the poor creature and addressing his substantial injuries. With financial support and expertise provided by the SeaWorld-Busch Gardens Conservation Fund, scientists were able to build Chhouk a prosthetic leg.
That leg was a second chance at life.
Today, Chhouk is thriving and living in the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center where he acts as an animal ambassador to local Cambodians and visitors.
Chhouk helps visitors learn about the plight of the Asian Elephant in Cambodia and motivates those people to engage in conservation projects.
But all that would have been impossible without individuals and families that visit SeaWorld.
When you visit SeaWorld and other accredited zoos, aquariums and marine parks, you are helping fund a global network of professionals who can respond to and save animals like Chhouk.
So, next time you swipe your ticket at the turnstile, take a moment and think of Chhouk and the positive change you are influencing.