STEF tackles the lack of specialist elephant veterinary care in Southern Thailand, where around 800 kept elephants previously were suffering or dying from preventable and treatable conditions because owners had nowhere to turn to or could not afford care. Elephants commonly suffer from colic, infections and foot and eye diseases - all requiring specialist vet care. As an endangered species, those in poor health affects wider longevity and population stability of the species.

STEF tackles the welfare challenges facing Asian elephants in Southern Thailand through its three core pillars: free specialist veterinary healthcare, mahout and community education, and supporting research that benefits wider elephant conservation. Our recently built dedicated elephant hospital and mobile clinic provide FREE lifesaving care to elephants across Southern Thailand to elephants who would otherwise go untreated, while training communities and specialists for long-term care.