Elephants are one of nature’s most awe-inspiring beasts, which admire mankind through their smartness, gigantism, and peaceful existence and even the subtle beauty of the elephant eye. Still, apart from their sky-high stature and sturdy spile, a fragile feature is hidden within the skin that can hardly be seen-they are the eyes of these enormous creatures.
Elephant eyes are tiny if compared to their giant bodies, but they are of great importance, as well as other body parts. In places like Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary, taking care of the eyes of animals is equally important as giving them nourishment and making sure they get to live in complete freedom.
The Importance Of Elephant Eye
Elephants that live in the wild rely on their eyes to know what is around them during the day, but their eyesight is not very good. Compared to their sharply acute hearing and powerful sniffing capabilities, the eyesight of elephants is relatively weak. Such as they can only see directly in front, and they take other cues, like sound, to find their way.
The fascinating thing about an elephant is the structure of its eye. Their eyes are on the sides of their heads so they can see a large area, but there is a space that they cannot see, and that is directly in front of their trunks. So they sometimes swing their heads or turn slightly to see more clearly.
However, elephants are very limited in this way, but they convey emotions and their intentions to others through their eyes. For example, they show calmness, stress, or curiosity, and, therefore, eye health becomes a very important point in their overall welfare.
Common Eye Problems In Elephants
Elephants, like many animals, are prone to several eye issues. In sanctuaries, caretakers often observe conditions such as:
- Conjunctivitis – Inflammation of the eye, which can be caused by dust, dirt, or infections.
- Cataracts – Age-related clouding of the lens, leading to blurry vision. Older elephants often face this condition.
- Injuries – Branches, sand, or even insect bites can harm the eyes, especially in forested or open areas.
- Dry Eyes or Irritation – Prolonged exposure to heat and dust may cause discomfort and require special care.
Through regular monitoring of such conditions, the issue of elephants not receiving required treatment is practically eliminated. Depending on the cause, eye care may also include a natural rinse, a soothing ointment, or a veterinary treatment.
How Sanctuaries Care For Elephant Eyes
Eye care is an integral part of the daily routine at Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary. The elephants are watched for any symptoms of the possible causes of their discomfort, redness, or excessive tearing. The caretakers who have a close relationship with the elephants, with whom they often spend years working, are also on the lookout for any changes in the behavior of the animals.
Sanctuaries provide:
- Regular Health Checks: Trained veterinarians and staff examine the eyes for early signs of problems.
- Clean Living Environments: By keeping enclosures natural yet free of harmful debris, risks of injury are reduced.
- Treatment and Comfort: When necessary, sanctuaries administer treatments such as saline rinses or protective ointments to heal and soothe eye issues.
- Shade and Shelter: Providing shaded areas protects elephants from harsh sunlight, which can strain sensitive eyes.
This close attention not only stops the minor ailments from turning into major ones but also guarantees that the rescued elephants, most of whom might have been neglected or overworked in their past, are the ones who get the first priority in terms of respect and treatment.
Aging Elephants And Eye Health
Most of the rescued elephants in the sanctuaries are old, and as such, they suffer from various eye ailments, including cataracts and partial vision. In nature, these elephants may not live long.
Now, in the sanctuaries, they get the perfect treatment. The caretakers modify activities, deliver food and water in a way that is easier for the gentle giants, and thus, they can live comfortably even though their eyesight is impaired.
The visitor’s privilege to experience such a degree of care is very often a very emotional one, indeed. It reveals to the people not only the perseverance of the elephants but also the commitment of the sanctuary to offering them a secure refuge where they can repair the damages of their difficult pasts.
The Impact Of Tourism On Elephant Eye Health Education
If we have a chance to visit Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary, we can be positive that every little detail of the elephant’s well-being, even eye care, has been taken into account. Besides that, the guides are always there to help people understand how elephants in general use their eyes and how sanctuaries are helping them with this issue.
Also, visitors can help. For example, by selecting the most ethical sanctuaries, i.e., those that do not allow riding or are not involved in the exploitation of animals, tourists are constantly supporting practices that put animal health first. So, every ticket, each visit, and the pictures taken in a respectful manner are all giving back to the ongoing care of elephants’ eyes, diets, and habitats.
Why Ethical Tourism Matters
Eye care is one of the many ways that sanctuaries like Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary go out of their way to save their elephants. In contrast to places where animals are made to perform or carry heavy weights, ethical animal rescues are concerned with the health, freedom, and normal species behavior of the animals.
When people come to these sanctuaries and support them, they are actually providing the money needed for the doctors, the facilities, and the vaccination of animals. Each and every one of the visitors who realize how significant elephant eye care is, becomes an advocate of the elephants by passing the word that their welfare matters more than pure entertainment.
Seeing The Bigger Picture Through Elephant Eyes
7Elephant eyes may be small and dwarfed by their gigantic bodies, but those eyes are the key to the story of the animals’ survival and resilience, as well as their loving nature. At Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary, this eye care issue has turned into a wider mission of giving comfort and dignity to the elephants.
As a visitor, you are also updated on the elephants’ skills, hardships, habituation, and loving efforts for their care. Participating in ethical experiences will make you part of a movement more inclined towards respect than exploitation.
So, next time you admire an elephant’s gaze, remember the care and effort that goes into keeping those eyes bright and healthy. If you’re visiting Krabi, come to Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary to see this dedication firsthand. Your visit helps continue the journey of giving these gentle giants the safe, caring home they deserve.
If your plan is to go to Krabi and want to establish a deep relationship with Thailand’s nature, you must not miss the opportunity to visit Ao Nang Elephant Sanctuary.
Reserve your spot now to get a chance to meet Asian elephants!
- Phone: +66 65 390 9925
- Email: [email protected]
- Book directly at aonangelephantsanctuary.com
