The Friends of the Asian Elephant hospital in Lampang, Thailand, is the first elephant hospital in the world. Since its founding in 1993, it has treated over 5,000 elephants for a variety of ailments ranging from landmine injuries to eye infections. Its patients are living proof of the many threats facing elephants today, and their situation is in sharp contrast with the idealization of elephants by local and tourist culture. Despite these hurdles, the hospital's team of 16 staff continues to work tirelessly to protect these gentle giants.​

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