Muhibah_SepOct2013_090913 - Royal Brunei Airlines

FEATURES02The elephants used in the project have been rescued from thestreets of Thailand and have gone through specific training toensure that they are healthy and well prepared for the clinicalresearch sessions. The elephants are accompanied by their expertmahout handlers, alongside occupational therapists and researchers.“The Thai Elephant Therapy Project is a world first and it showcasesThailand as a pioneer in the support of research into alternativetherapy solutions”, says John Roberts, who is involved in theprogramme. “Results from the project showed that the childrendisplayed improved adaptive behaviour, sensory processing,postural control, balance and improved social skills, while theirparents also reported perceived improvement and satisfaction withthe programmes,” added Roberts, who is also Anantara’s Director ofElephants and Conservation Efforts.The project’s free therapy sessions for Thai children runs throughout2013. Additionally, TETP also intends to expand its research this yearaiming to widen the scope of the clinics to include children withDowns Syndrome and other conditions.TE0330 MUHIBAH