top 200 commentsshow all 231

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]thorneyinak 196 points197 points ago

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Guy steps on land mine; DIES.

Elephant steps on land mine; loses foot.

Interesting fact to know.

[–]Aun_vre 125 points126 points ago*

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Landmines are an area denial, fear inducing tactic, not actually intended to kill outright. A dead soldier is someone who needs to be buried and then an army can move on. A wounded soldier especially one that is no longer mobile is a huge liability as it takes manpower to move them away from the fighting, it takes medical resources and expertise to keep them alive and then it is a low chance they can even return to the fighting.

That said there are many many people living in current or former conflict zones also have their legs blown off by landmines, think Vietnam, rural Korea and Afghanistan. Would you like to see them: http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,2051465_2238194,00.html

[–]nvers 56 points57 points ago

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Indeed. Kill a soldier and you reduce a combat force by one. Injure a soldier and you reduce it by no less than two.

[–]cresteh 31 points32 points ago

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I never thought of the tactic before. Very interesting perspective.

[–]Deeterific 21 points22 points ago

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We totally just witnessed the start of a dictator.

[–][deleted] 8 points9 points ago

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A dictator focused on injuring rather than slaughter? That's a first.

[–]Deeterific 11 points12 points ago

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I never said a very good dictator.

[–]Disgod 1 point2 points ago

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The Vietcong did...

[–]Hydris 1 point2 points ago*

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Snipers use the tactic a lot as well. Wound one guy while he is out in the open. Proceed to pick off his friends while they try and save them. Other tactics are leaving bait for targets to walk up to.

There is a reason snipers are never taken alive.

[–][deleted] 5 points6 points ago

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[–]tha_ape 7 points8 points ago

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CAMBODIA!!! Dont forget them...

[–]SeriouslyDave 12 points13 points ago

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Don't forget Laos either.. Most bombed country in the world. Beautiful place though.

[–]electric_sandwich 3 points4 points ago

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Here are a few pics I took from a hill top temple in Luang Prabang:

Bomb turned into flower planter in the temple:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/helicomatique/2771383173/in/set-72157606785674568

Girls playing on an anti-aircraft gun:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/helicomatique/2567323768/in/set-72157606785674568

[–]helun 0 points1 point ago

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Phu Si?

[–]tjo1432 3 points4 points ago

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Besides, you know...the whole bomb issue.

[–]Nurgle 1 point2 points ago

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Also why solid slugs are preferable to hollow.

[–]Aun_vre 0 points1 point ago

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Aren't there many reasons to favor a more penetrative round? (Piercing armor vehicle/body or otherwise). I can understand not having the bullet fragment in the body would more likely make it do less damage but hey you are still shooting somebody.

[–]Danesk 1 point2 points ago

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You forgot Cambodia, which has the highest number of land mines in SEA.

[–]cabalamat 3 points4 points ago

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Surely there are no LAND mines in the SEA?

[–]Danesk 1 point2 points ago

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Cant tell if you're confused or being sarcastic..? SEA = South East Asia. So yes, plenty of land mines in SEA!

[–]Aun_vre 0 points1 point ago

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Yeah I cant tell either.

[–]wat_waterson 0 points1 point ago

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sea as in ocean.

[–]Aun_vre 0 points1 point ago

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Thank you, yes I did.

[–]somafp 1 point2 points ago

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You are my favorite redditor of the day, i will share this knowledge with others!

[–]bearshy 0 points1 point ago

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TIL

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

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In addition, crippled soldiers wandering around back home is much more demoralizing to the civilian population than a flag-draped coffin on TV.

[–]TentacleFace 0 points1 point ago

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I live in Korea...rural Korea is false.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago*

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I worked at Lowes with a man named Mousa Diallo Bocoume, who coincidentally happens to be a filmmaker who made a documentary about landmines left in The Casamance (Senegal) which routinely take peoples' legs, and how the corrupt government isn't removing the mines. He had me convert it to DVD shortly before he left for California but the computer and HDD I used are long gone and I don't have it anymore.

It's a fucking brutal documentary too. One scene is burned in my memory: A man getting his leg stuffed with gauze. The leg is blown open from thigh to foot and no anesthetic is used. The guy is just wincing and yelping in pain the whole time. Hard to watch.

Here are excerpts I found from it, though it doesn't contain that graphic scene.

[–]winsWithoutaKnife 5 points6 points ago

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Guy step on land mine; loses leg.

FTFY. Land mines aren't really intended to kill people, just grievously wound them.

[–]gregny2002 9 points10 points ago

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Correct. Most land mine varieties use a charge that pops out of the ground to about knee level when stepped on, to blow a leg or two off. That's why most people killed by land mines are children; the charge explodes at head or torso level rather than knee level.

[–]uchi 0 points1 point ago

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So if I manage to duck or jump REALLY high I might be ok? I need to test this hypothesis.

[–]brettaburger 2 points3 points ago

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You don't find out about a landmine until it blows up so I don't think it would work

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

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testing facility with "recruits". Like Aperture Science!

[–]fatherwhite 19 points20 points ago

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I'm impressed. This is great!

[–]KnightOfCamolad 2 points3 points ago

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Hold your tongue,

by rights the Gods, Motala needs not one, but 4 battle grieves.

insane laughter

[–]Drawtaru 17 points18 points ago

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The horrible realization is that elephants never forget, so she will always vividly remember the pain and fear of that moment.

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]Play_by_Play 14 points15 points ago

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[–]someshooter 0 points1 point ago

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Where did you find that image? Want to see whole series :)

[–]Drawtaru 12 points13 points ago

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Also unfortunately probably true. Am I doing this right?

[–]marsneedstowels 9 points10 points ago

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An elephant that never forgets... TO KILL.

[–]mrpepelopez 1 point2 points ago

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This needs to be a tagline for an elephant-based horror movie.

[–]Mousi 1 point2 points ago

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Noooo! I was going to make that reference. :(

[–]DUmpy-Pillow 1 point2 points ago

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And I'm Super King!

[–]tha_ape 5 points6 points ago

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Like this one?

"After a rogue elephant killed 17 people in India, locals knew it had to be stopped. Once the animal was killed, DNA tests on the contents of its stomach revealed something even more terrifying: the elephant had consumed human flesh."

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/18/maneating-elephant-featur_n_825345.html

[–]_Pohaku_ 6 points7 points ago

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I'm sure my own own memory is no match for that of an elephant, but if I was strollin' through the fields one day and a landmine blew my fucking leg off - well, I'd always vividly remember it too.

[–]intlvagabond 2 points3 points ago

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Good friend of mine is a video journalist working for the Wild Life Alliance in Cambodia and put this video together, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/28/prosthetic-foot-elephant_n_912164.html. Amazing work these guys are doing.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

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A guy I work with, his uncle and aunt run this elephant sanctuary / hospital.

[–]CrazyBunnyLady 2 points3 points ago

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Then please tell us more.

[–]dukenuk3m 0 points1 point ago

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my girlfriend is visiting this this place next week or so. she's from san diego, tell them to take good care of her!

[–]anriana 0 points1 point ago

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Is it in the states? Which one?

I want to intern at the TN one this summer if my paid internships don't work out.

[–]Richeh 0 points1 point ago

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That's pretty cocky. I'd want to at least prop the elephant up before starting to pull its legs off.

[–]theredgiant 0 points1 point ago

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More pictures and a bit about the founder Soraida Salwala

http://www.amusingplanet.com/2011/09/world-first-elephant-hospital-in.html

[–]Recoil42 -1 points0 points ago*

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Crossposted to /r/HumanPorn, thanks. :)

edit: What the fuck are the downvotes for?

[–]Strutham 1 point2 points ago

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TIL all photos are porn.

[–]fatjesus 109 points110 points ago*

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I want to add that if you are going on vacation to Thailand, PLEASE be aware that most parks are abusive and ride their animals into the ground for profit.

If you're going to go anywhere, go here. It currently stands as the coolest thing I've ever done in my life. You pay significantly more but the elephants only go for one ride per day. You get your own elephant, you get to feed it, bathe it, and take it for its daily exercise. The money goes to rescuing animals from other abusive circuses and logging camps, and buying more land for the sanctuary. They do not use the big chairs on their backs which are bad for their ergonomics, so you get to ride bareback, which is truly like riding a dinosaur. It was started several years ago but only recently began accepting tourists once the elephants were brought back to good health and trained.

Edit: Those interested in price, when I went it was less than $70USD per person for a whole day--but my uncle new one of the travel agents and it probably depends on season--also I think my fiancee and I paid for a shared elephant, but due to it being slow we each got our own. Even twice that would still be cheap for the coolest thing you'll ever do. Yes, it's a fortune by Thai standards, but this way the elephants don't have to work hauling tourists around from dawn till dusk to pay for their food--if an elephant isn't sleeping, it's eating.

[–]senortumnus 27 points28 points ago

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Was just there 2 weeks ago - it cost 1200 or 1800Baht (can't remember which), which comes out to $40-60 for a half day of feeding, riding, and washing. Learning how to get on was hilarious! Ours had a baby - named James Bond - who was the man. Watching him play in the water was one of the coolest things I've ever seen.

[–]Hokuboku 9 points10 points ago

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Wow, I expected it to be much more. I'd definitely pay that for a chance to ride an elephant and support their sanctuary.

[–]onepercent 5 points6 points ago

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Their website says it's a bit more:

2,400 Baht/person with Share elephant and 4,200 Baht/person with Own elephant

but it still sounds like a good price and a worthy cause.

[–]fatjesus 1 point2 points ago

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If you go on a slow day, you will get your own elephant for the shared elephant price.

[–]onepercent 1 point2 points ago

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oooh nice. thanks for the tip, fatjesus.

[–]boxen 1 point2 points ago

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Yeah, it's still not even that much. 140$. I once paid almost that much to swim with a dolphin for about half an hour.

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]fatjesus 0 points1 point ago

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It's like riding a dinosaur.

[–]UnreachablePaul 0 points1 point ago

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You mean a fat chick?

[–]boxen 0 points1 point ago

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Yeah, it was pretty cool. It was on a long central america trip, where I was usually paying about 3 bucks a night for a room. Spending money on dolphin rides is a much better move then spending it on luxury hotels.

[–]senortumnus 0 points1 point ago

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yeah, we booked ours through our guesthouse, so maybe they have some kind of deal set up. everyone has deals set up. :D

[–]lackadaisically 6 points7 points ago

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That looks pretty awesome! How much did it cost?

[–]fatjesus 1 point2 points ago

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Expensive by Thai standards, but still cheap by western standards, $40-$60US for an experience of a lifetime.

[–]thumper242 5 points6 points ago

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Thank you for saying this.
I have stopped bringing it up because people don't really believe me, or don't want to believe.
I went on a trek when I was there that included elephant travel and spent the entire time with watery eyes.
I wanted to get off and walk, but I wasn't allowed.

[–]NGC3372 4 points5 points ago

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I would also like to know how much something like this would cost

[–]fatjesus 0 points1 point ago

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It was about $40-60. It only feels expensive when you're in Thailand, but if you think about what something like that would cost at home--well you can't because you can't do it at home. It was 100% worth it. I'm not kidding when I say it's probably the single coolest thing I've ever done. We were there for nearly 8 hours, and it included lunch.

[–]omegashadow 1 point2 points ago

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I also did a similar elephant for a day course. AMAZING, the treatment they give the elephants there is better than the treatment they give to the people who handle them heheh, but seriously bareback riding wins.

[–]greendayrebel 1 point2 points ago

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I lived there for seven years, and while some do abuse their elephants, most mahouts love them more than anyone can understand. I've ridden and seen them many times.

[–]fatjesus 1 point2 points ago

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Glad to hear it. It is hard to understand how someone couldn't love an elephant. I only said "most" because, well, that's what I was told by several people there. But I was only there for a vacation, and not a resident (though my uncle is, for what it's worth).

However, I wonder if the other parks can afford to provide the elephants with as comfortable an environment as Baanchang, which I believe was founded by a wealthy businessman of some kind whose focus was to put elephant welfare first. Other parks with a more business oriented background might still have to work the elephants too hard, even if they do love them, just to make their keep.

[–]greendayrebel 0 points1 point ago

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I think they're pretty well funded, and I think the ones that are tourist attractions are even better off. And I also find it hard to understand how someone couldn't love and elephant. Thai people really take care of them and cherish them, it's their national animal and they're considered sacred- especially white elephants.

[–]HikeRobCT 30 points31 points ago

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Like this? This month's NatGeo profile of orphan elephant rehab in Kenya will blow you away. http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2011/09/orphan-elephants/siebert-text/1

[–]iproxysm 9 points10 points ago

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Here's what the article describes: http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/

Amazing.

[–]HikeRobCT 1 point2 points ago

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ty for the link. I'm ready to quit my job and go help... or just make a donation.

[–]YummyMeatballs 2 points3 points ago

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Something about an elephant calf in a raincoat - so very cute :).

[–]LegoLassy 1 point2 points ago

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Good read - ty for sharing.

[–]HikeRobCT 1 point2 points ago

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I agree - one of the best written pieces in NattyG in a long time. I have a whole new appreciation for elephants

[–]tsvk 0 points1 point ago

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This elephant orphanage is featured in the recent wildlife documentary "Born to be Wild 3D":

http://www.imax.com/borntobewild/

http://www.imax.com/movies/m/born-to-be-wild-3d/

Check out your nearest IMAX theater, the film is recommended.

[–]Mollow 11 points12 points ago

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Hopefully they can get one for this guy too

[–]friendofelephants 1 point2 points ago

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I found this website accepting donations for Sama, the elephant pictured. Click on Project Lucky Sama.

I've never donated using a IBAN/Swift code. Is this safe?

[–]mavantix 0 points1 point ago

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Safe as in will they get the money? Sure. Safe as in you know where it's going? No. It's just wiring money to a bank account. Note: Your local bank may charge a fee.

[–]floatablepie 29 points30 points ago

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Are animals intelligent enough to understand what happens with a prosthesis? I know elephants are some of the smarter animals, but I always wonder if most even understand that an object is helping them move around, or what is going on.

[–][deleted] 67 points68 points ago

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I figure its easier to understand that the prosthetic is a different leg for it than understanding WHAT THE FUCK IT STEPPED ON THAT BLEW ITS LEG OFF

[–]BitRex 4 points5 points ago

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I've known a few chariot dogs and they don't seem to notice or question it.

On that note, I used to go to a juvenile rheumatoid arthritis clinic a lot and the toddlers scooting around on gimpy legs clearly had no idea they were disabled and supposed to be going anything but top speed.

[–]AuntieSocial 3 points4 points ago

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Elephant brains are remarkably human-like in structure and size correlation. They're very smart, very social animals and even pass the mirror-recognition test. I imagine it understands quite clearly what's going on.

[–]MyNameCouldntBeAsLon 8 points9 points ago

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I like the fact that they added 'toes' to the prosthetic leg

[–]SoCalDan 1 point2 points ago

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If they didn't, the other elephants would have teased him mercilessly. Elephants can't be quite cruel.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points ago

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Jape all you'd like, but Elephants do pass the mirror test...

[–]fargin_ice_hole 6 points7 points ago

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Does Tony Jaa work security there?

[–]Laugh_Fin 5 points6 points ago

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I spent a week at the Elephant Nature Park in northern Thailand. It provides rehabilitation and permanent retirement for elephants that have been abused in Thailand's logging or tourism industries.

When I went it was $300 to spend a week caring for these rescued Elephants, going on hikes with them, playing with them in a river, sleeping in comfortable lodging, and eating delicious Thai food. It was a once in a lifetime experience, and I got to cuddle with a 3-month-old elephant. Would do again in a heartbeat.

[–]Rory1 2 points3 points ago

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I went there as well. Amazing experience. Place where elephants can just be elephants. No having to give rides and made to do tricks. One of the best days of my life.

[–]council_of_europe 1 point2 points ago

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when i was there there was this elephant that was deaf when they got him, so it was little hard for him to adjust. one day, one other elephant realized that the guy was deaf, and from that moment on he was his interpreter, communicating in a way he would understand and the guy adjusted perfectly. they became best friends from then on... it was really something special to see them together, not sure if you had a chance, this was more then 5 yrs ago...

[–]ithunk 0 points1 point ago

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cuddle an elephant baby? Count me in.

This is on my list of todos now.

[–]casual_shoggoth 16 points17 points ago

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I've always thought that if I lost a leg below the knee, I would like to have a prosthetic leg fashioned to look like a chrome goat hoof. Also, this picture is sweet.

[–]commiewizard 7 points8 points ago

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Not to glorify amputation but that would be so bad ass.

[–]OpenShut 3 points4 points ago

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I've worked with prosthetic limbs for a few years and by far most people are concerned with realism over practicality. I love your idea perhaps I'll be able to convince someone one day.

[–]BisonST 2 points3 points ago

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Ice Truck Killer?

[–]cameronbabiak 0 points1 point ago

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That's why I would want one of those re-curve sport legs like Oscar Pistorius. AKA Blade Runner, or the fastest man on no legs.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oscar_Pistorius

[–]tomjenks1 5 points6 points ago

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this is one of things that makes me believe in the good of humanity

[–]LordSpark 5 points6 points ago

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I never asked for this.

[–]Baned0n 23 points24 points ago

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When I came home, there was an elephant in my house. I fought with this elephant. He had a mechanical foot. You find this elephant! You find this elephant!!.

[–]systemid2000 4 points5 points ago

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oh harrison you so crazy.

[–]meowmaster 19 points20 points ago

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You should see the size of their ambulance

[–]qbxk -1 points0 points ago

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was replaying gta 3 and 4 recently, imagine the ambulance missions at elephant size

[–]this_sort_of_thing 1 point2 points ago

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There should have been a cheat for that

[–]fishlover 3 points4 points ago*

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Motala's Story. Unbelievable!

[–]ghufla 2 points3 points ago

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Is this the Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary?

[–]Uncomfortable 0 points1 point ago

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Lampang. Chiang Mai was more elephants playing soccer and painting awesome things.

[–]Hexramn 2 points3 points ago

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Tenderfoot

[–]fanboat 2 points3 points ago

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I hope they're hiring. Advice from experience: Don't major in 'elephant repair'

[–]nishant032 2 points3 points ago

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I was there! it's one of the most beautiful places I have seen... and touching. I love elephants.

[–]MananWho 2 points3 points ago

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This is why I'm against universal health care. These lazy piggybacking elephants would be raising the costs for the rest of us!

[–]Triggerous 2 points3 points ago

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FYI Sri Lanka also has an elephant hospital

[–]krakentheseabeast 5 points6 points ago

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The most amazing thing I have seen all week. Go elephants! And elephant doctors!

[–]Morbidgrass 1 point2 points ago

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My friend just spent a good 3 weeks or so visiting an elephant rescue in Thailand. I wonder if is the same place.

[–]serenanana 1 point2 points ago

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There are a ton of those in Thailand actually. I really can't wait to have the money to be able to go to one.

[–]TheoQ99 0 points1 point ago

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A friend of mine did too, popular summer thing to do, or do we happen to know each other?

[–]MidnightTurdBurglar 1 point2 points ago

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Thailand... the only country that needs an elephant hospital.

[–]SarcasticOptimist 1 point2 points ago

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[–]armchairepicure 4 points5 points ago

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Yep. Reeeeeaaally seriously

[–]Bro_magnon_man 1 point2 points ago

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Pretty much every zoo that keeps elephants has an elephant hospital. Anywhere you can work on an elephant is a elephant hospital.

[–]rudesheim 1 point2 points ago

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This must be the happiest 'wtf?' moment of my life.

[–]Chaochio 1 point2 points ago

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I'm reminded of the Daria episode where they went to Brittney's house and her father had an elephant leg umbrella stand.... God I need to get out more.

[–]dissidentrhetoric 1 point2 points ago

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Wonderful picture.

I can only hope this sort of thing becomes more common.

[–]Freakears 1 point2 points ago

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Upvote for elephants.

[–]jayliquori 1 point2 points ago

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Did you notice the dinky chain around it's neck? They are trained from birth because the chains really do keep them locked up. Through their life, they just grow to accept the fact that they are in bondage and never try to break free, even tho the elephant has the strength to do so.

[–]dkandpal 1 point2 points ago

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Thank you FAE. Elephants are the tits.

[–]cherrybomb666 1 point2 points ago

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its so nice to see that some people still care. its ashame that the landmines had to be there in the first place.

[–]cheezburglar 1 point2 points ago

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and here's a video of an elephant getting a prosthetic leg and walking.

[–]360walkaway 1 point2 points ago

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Upvote for fake toenails on the fake elephant foot.

[–]dragon_squirrel 1 point2 points ago

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There's a show about this on the OASIS channel.

[–]yeowoh 1 point2 points ago

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World's only?

http://www.elephants.com/

There's one in Tennessee.

[–]friendofelephants 1 point2 points ago

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Came here to say this.

[–]allymac 1 point2 points ago

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I was just there in June. Myself and a friend hired a car to drive down, well worth it. I went to the hospital instead of any of the tours/parks. I was welcomed by the baby of the gang scratching its ass on the power pylon. Cute. Incredible place!!!

[–]SurelyIDidThisAlread 1 point2 points ago

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I can but hope that something or someone gives elephants and other creatures the brains and ability to teach us bastard humans a lesson.

[–]AdonisChrist 1 point2 points ago

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this brought tears to my eyes. I like that somewhere someone gives a shit about elephants.

[–]livipeaceluv33 1 point2 points ago

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I love this! this made my whole week and this is my favorite post of the entire week! Thanks for sharing this!

[–]cheeseburgz 1 point2 points ago

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I got to see the elephant hospital when I was in Thailand. If I remember correctly, it's really close to/ a part of the elephant sanctuary in Thailand. There you get to ride elephants (I think my elephant was Big Red) and learn commands and do a lot of stuff with the elephants and their mahouts. When I was there on a school trip, we got to be a part of an elephant festival they have, where the locals set up HUGE arrays of fruits for the elephants. One of the commands we learned was for the elephant to pick up something and give it to us. We had a lot of watermelon that day...

If you ever want to visit Thailand, you should visit that place. It is incredible.

[–]bogus3134234234 1 point2 points ago

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I've been there, it is a wonderful place. I was there more than 10 years ago; I 'connected' with this elephant: http://imgur.com/lUzht

In Thailand, having or being associated with 'bad luck' is a terrible thing, and Thais will go to great lengths to avoid it. So, this poor creature was not only maimed, but most Thai visitors avoid her (I think it was female, can't remember). I was the only one to go over and talk gently to her ... it wasn't long before she began staring right at me and gently swaying her head. Maybe I'm anthropomorphizing, but it very much seemed like she was lonely and was reacting to my consideration of her. I'll never forget it.

Apparently her injury came from teak logging. A log slipped and crushed her trunk to the point where it was 'pinched' off. This is more debilitating to an elephant than losing a foreleg, I was told, since their trunk is so important to eating and drinking, and cleaning, etc.

If you get the chance, go, and contribute.

[–]thorthemighty 4 points5 points ago

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Elephant: I never asked for this...

[–]ramblerandgambler 0 points1 point ago

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I used to live near that place in Lampang! Had some great experiences with the elephants.

[–]Slippyy 0 points1 point ago

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Imagine the size of the catheters they have to carry there.

[–]abenton 0 points1 point ago

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I bet that dude from earlier who was showing off his new prosthetic leg is jelly.

[–]CrazyBunnyLady 0 points1 point ago

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Did you see that dude's leg? The elephant would be jelly!

[–]AmberHeartsDisney 0 points1 point ago

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awwww

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

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false. San Diego Zoo has a world wide known elephant hospital.

[–]SecondToNone 0 points1 point ago

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Been there. Beautiful place full of beautiful people and beautiful animals.

[–]ElBrad 0 points1 point ago

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Wife and I went to Thailand for our honeymoon. Went here, as well as a different elephant centre. The rescue centre was very interesting, at the other one we were able to ride an elephant as well as watch their former traditional jobs...and painting! Bought the painting that the elephant closest to us painted...maybe I'll post it when I get home and white for some karma.

[–]RandomSikh 0 points1 point ago

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Stuff like this makes me have more faith in humanity :) Awesome picture too.

[–]knockturne 0 points1 point ago

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Who else read the end of the title in the Street Fighter II announcer voice?

[–]windy444 0 points1 point ago

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Bless these people!

[–]Mwilson85 0 points1 point ago

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Shit like this always make me weak.

[–]HitboxOfASnail 0 points1 point ago

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Meanwhile, in Thailand.

[–]blueicepop 0 points1 point ago

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[–]feltman 0 points1 point ago

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The bed-pans must be HUGE!

[–]Mr_Tulip 0 points1 point ago

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Hold the fucking phone. Cyborg elephants? We don't stand a chance.

[–]DrTom 0 points1 point ago

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I've been there! Its near Pai in the north. They also sell paintings the elephants make. Pretty impressive, and really, really cheap. Stuff that sell for $400 is sold for $30. You could finance your whole trip to SE Asia just by buying and selling a few!

[–]reden[!] 0 points1 point ago

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I like how they tried to make the foot look like an elephant's as if the elephant cares.

[–]luckykobold 0 points1 point ago

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I could've sworn there was more than one elephant left.

[–]znx 0 points1 point ago

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The lengths that humans go to destroying the world always seem to be matched by the lengths we go to fixing it, lets hope that continues.

You have to wonder what the Elephant thinks about it all.

[–]Y_U_No_F_OFF 0 points1 point ago

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Damn you reddit, always posting sad animal things.

[–]Yeti_Rider 0 points1 point ago

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When we were in Thailand at a rehab place for the Elephants, we were told that a foot infection or damage to an Elephants foot will often most likely kill them.

We saw a couple who had trodden on land-mines in Burma.

Was heartbreaking to think of these poor things getting mutilated whilst just minding their own business.

[–]MeepleMeerkat 0 points1 point ago

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Doctor says to Elephant, "We're out of casts!"

Elephant says, "It's alright, there's one in the trunk!"

WAHEY!

[–]NotThatRelevant 0 points1 point ago

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[–]ShaneMcDeath 0 points1 point ago

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Elephant spots fake nails on the bottom of the prosthetic leg. "Dont you patronise me, slut"

[–]imperpetual 0 points1 point ago

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Read "Elephant Hospital", upon opening found elephant being repaired. Expected hospital run by elephants or a hospital on top of elephant.

Would not recommend.

[–]DaVX 0 points1 point ago

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http://www.thelastelephants.com/

This is a great doc about that exact hospital. Recommend it to everyone.

[–]CaptainDexterMorgan 0 points1 point ago

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After you get in line you have to deal with a considerable weight.

[–]tethercat 0 points1 point ago

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This show is on every week on OASIS.

[–]Tenk 0 points1 point ago

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Give me back my elephant!

[–]hdurr 0 points1 point ago

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what exactly do you need to do to break an elephants leg? I mean.. that must be one strong bone in there.

[–]cakeshop 0 points1 point ago

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Reddit 2081: World's only elephant hospitalized in Thailand.

[–]Danesk 0 points1 point ago

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Its a very good thing they have this. However they have an abundance of domesticated Elephants in Thailand. Ever since the country outlawed Elephants to be worked as logging transport out of the jungles.

A lot of the elephants have a poor life, walkimg down mainstreets for photos or taking tourists for walks

[–]tsuichii 0 points1 point ago

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For a second there, I thought the prosthetic was a giant fleshlight to extract the semen from the elephant.

[–]mememonkey 0 points1 point ago

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Is that Adam Jensen's war elephant?

[–]name_it_bob 0 points1 point ago

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this picture just made me sadder then every injured cat and dog picture put together

[–]ElBrad 0 points1 point ago

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[–]electric_sandwich 0 points1 point ago

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This one's from Koh Chang. The rope made me feel much safer:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/helicomatique/2772829982/in/set-72157606785674568

[–]RawlRawl 0 points1 point ago

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Looks like he's got a case of elephantitis, oh ho ho...

[–]Cerridwene 0 points1 point ago

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:)

[–]JustForArkona 0 points1 point ago

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ELEPHANTS!!!!! sorry I love elephants

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

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yay!

[–]remoteingenuity 0 points1 point ago

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Beautiful.

[–]abstractedBliss 0 points1 point ago

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Went to Chiang Mai about 6 years ago and visited a elephant hospital up there. Most of them are rescued from people who abuse them. Felt bad for them and remember my mom donating like $150 to the hospital while were there.

[–]FourHundredandTwenty 0 points1 point ago

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Anyone else see the thumbnail and think the guy was naked?

[–]YDNA88 0 points1 point ago

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TIL elephants can have prosthetic legs....

[–]muffinstuffinpickle 0 points1 point ago

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Anyone else read the title using the Wild Boys narrator voice?

[–]wborman4 0 points1 point ago

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This is so great to see Motala get another prosthesis. I am producing and directing a documentary, "The Eyes of Thailand" http://eyesofthailand.com, about the hospital founder's quest to help Motala receive her first prosthesis in 2009. The film trailer shows the process, if you'd like to learn more: http://www.eyesofthailand.com/

[–]TheAtomicPlayboy -3 points-2 points ago

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They finished your mom's prosthetic foot.

[–]anexanhume 11 points12 points ago

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Please pack your trunk and get out.

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]bpiper88 0 points1 point ago

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In America, that elephant would need insurance.

[–]kdrum2014 0 points1 point ago

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TIL there is only 1 elephant hospital in the world.