Thai elephant roundup relives the animals glory days.

The animal two day jamboree of the giants in this north eastern town is both a popular tourist event and an homage to the glory days of the elephants who have influenced Thai life for centuries. In days past, elephants ere indispensable in was and transport and were used to clear forests and haul timber. But poaching, modernization and the loss of forest cover have reduced their numbers from some 100,000 domesticated elephants at the turn of the century to only about 16,000 now.

Eumporn Jiragalwisul, the tourism authority chief for the district, said some 260 elephants took part in this years roundup, from 4 ton male tuckers to protective cows and babies.  "It's like a homecoming for the elephant family," said Eumporn. "And for the Thais, it reminds them of the old style of living."  Surin has 491 elephants, but most owners ferry them around the country year round in search of work. They come back to Surin for the roundup when the government pays them to participate.

On a rain soaked slushy field in a sports stadium, the three hour show started with a flag raising ceremony. Then a group of elephants performed tricks, walking on three legs and even two legs. Lip, a born showoff, even stood on his massive forehead, raising all four legs in the air.  But over confidence was his undoing in the basketball game as he flung the ball with his trunk, trying but missing the crucial three pointer. Appearently, he had made the shot repeartedly during practice sessions. But other pachyderms had no trouble dunking the ball.  One reared up on its hinds legs to place the ball through the basket.  The elephants on each team took alternate turns trying for the basket.

A lot of good nattered jostling between the animals went on in the soccer match.  The 11 elephants on each team, with their drivers on top,  pursed an oversized ball, kicking it toward the goals.  Losing patience at the forwards inability to score, a defender picked up the ball in her trunk and lumbered toward the goal post.  Alas, the ball slipped out at the last moment. With the score 0 - 0, a penalty shooting ws held and the Gopoh team defeated Ban Glan 1 - 0

Spectators enjoyed not only a great show but also a lesson in elephant physiology. The announcer informed the crowd that because elephants don't have a stomach in which to store food, they eat constantly, "the food going through their mouth, into the intestine and out the rear end."  As if on cue, Bhun Chue, a 45 year old giant tusker, answered the call of nature even while he pulled 80 soldiers volunteers hanging onto a rope in a tug o war. His victory complete in 5 seconds, pooper scoopers were deployed to clear the field.  (Ladywildlife© laughing)

Tension was in the air when five elephants stepped over 10 volunteers, including American tourist Jim Tomonto, lying face down in a row, 3 feet apart. "I am studying Buddhism so I was sure the the animals won't hurt me," joked Tomonto, 34, a native of Denver, who said he felt a jumbo foot grazing against his thigh.  Buddhists believe all living things live in harmony with one another.  The Thai government, which recently reinstated the elephant as the national animal, hopes that festivals such as this will raise awareness about conserving and caring for the giant mammal.

Thai media often report that some owners frequently beat their animals or feed them amphetamines to make them more active.  Many are abandoned when they become ill.  Elephants are expensive to keep, and their keepers are increasingly turning to tourism to make ends meet by providing elephant rides in historical sites or in the hills.

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