Elephant Aid International (EAI) is a nonprofit organization that creates innovative approaches to the care and management of elephants. With the combined efforts of international scientists, veterinarians, mahouts, elephant owners and elephant welfare supporters, EAI is helping to change how the public relates to elephants; how elephant owners view their elephants; how mahouts (elephant handlers) and elephant caregivers train elephants; and how captive elephants are cared for worldwide. By providing education and hands-on assistance, EAI is working to end the worldwide suffering of elephants…one elephant at a time.
EAI’s Vision
EAI sees a world in which society respects elephants and provides environments in which they can not only survive but flourish. Elephants who live in semi-wild and wild environments would be free of human harassment and exploitation; elephants in captivity would live as humane and natural a life as possible.
EAI Mission Statement
EAI’s mission is to end the worldwide suffering of elephants by creating innovative approaches to the care and management of elephants in captivity. EAI gives hands-on assistance to improve standards of care; teaches humane methods of training and handling; raises public awareness of the lives and needs of elephants; models new standards of care at its Elephant Refuge North America, where elephants can retire, recover and thrive.
Why EAI?
EAI melds knowledge, experience and vision into innovative solutions.
EAI has one agenda: improving the lives of elephants and the people who live and work with them.
EAI brings together everyone who cares about elephants—biologists, mahouts, scientists, researchers, veterinarians, educators, caregivers, progressive zoo professionals and elephant enthusiasts.
EAI’s Goals
Improve the conditions of captivity in which elephants live and eliminate abusive training and management styles.
Demonstrate alternatives to the use of chaining as a form of management.
Train mahouts in positive management techniques so they can better care for and manage their elephants.
Improve the social status of mahouts through education and job advancement.
Remove begging elephants from the streets of Asia by finding alternative livelihoods for mahouts and their families.
Facilitate the establishment of lifetime care centers (sanctuaries) across Asia.
