Antal indlæg: 341 Tilmeldt: 20.12.12 Status: Offline
Elephants were given special sweaters at a camp to keep them warm during cold spell in Thailand.
The sweaters were customised to fit the jumbos’ huge bodies in Maesa Elephant Camp in Chiang Mai province.
Temperatures have plunged down to 13 degrees Celcius last week, making it dangerous for the older elephants’ health.
The sanctuary gave more sweaters to elephants aged 65 to 80-years-old to keep them extra warm.
Aside from the sweaters, bonfires were also lit in several areas inside the camp so elephants would feel the heat from the flames.
Anchalee Galmaji, manager of Maesa Elephant Camp, said they need to protect the animals’ health during the cold season.
She said: ‘When elephants get sick, they will stop eating and drinking so it is important to keep them warm during this season.’
The camp used to provide huge blankets to the elephants but they would fall off when they are walking.
Some elephants were also irritated by the fabric as it would limit their movements. They would then shake the fabric blankets off their bodies.
This time, staff measured the elephants’ body size before making the sweaters so they would perfectly fit their bodies.
A kind tailor donated the first pairs of sweaters to the camp which were given to seven elephants before the camp made more to provide to the other jumbos.
State meteorologist Phuwiang Prakhammin said that winter will be colder and longer than previous years. He expected the cool season to last for approximately 122 days until mid-February, with average lows of 20C to 21C nationwide throughout the entire season, however, temperatures are much lower in northern parts of Thailand.