THE CAUSE
Team Bona are just three ordinary Australians who embarked on the journey of a lifetime. Amanda, Bruce and Murray came across the story of Bona, an orphaned Sumatran elephant on the brink of death and knew that they couldn’t turn a blind eye. The story that unfolded is one of incredible determination, compassion and inspiration all driven by a passion for conservation, the planet we call home and the love for one little elephant. This is a story of survival.
The Past…
At the time this story began, Bona was an 18 month-old orphaned juvenile elephant in the care at the Seblat Elephant Conservation Centre (ECC) in Sumatra, Indonesia. Bona was rescued in April 2011 from a palm-oil plantation, after she was found wandering alone with no sign of her mother. Sadly, it is believed that her Mother was one of seven adult elephants found later poisoned by palm-oil farmers. Bona was left completely alone.
At the time she came to Team Bona’s attention in February 2012, Bona weighed a tiny 182kg, a result of her extremely poor and insufficient diet. An elephant of Bona’s age would naturally be drinking milk from her mother, and her overall body condition was extremely poor. She was suffering from malnutrition, had curvature of the spine and was very weak. Life-saving supplements were needed to save her life. It was thought she would surely die.
The Present…
On October 24th 2012, Bona celebrated her 2nd birthday with a glowing health report. Bona’s story has had a very positive outcome thanks to the love and support of so many followers from around the world. Her health report is now glowing, and she is skin and bone no longer. Her tummy swings from side to side just like a baby elephant’s tummy should. She is brighter and happier than ever before, spending her days learning from and enjoying time with her foster mother Aswita without a care in the world. Team Bona continue to provide supplements at a cost of $2000 per month in the form of milk replacement formula and vital supplements. With her newfound strength, Bona has recently commenced training for her most important role yet- her future as a conservation patrol elephant.
The Future…
Bona will play an important role in protecting diminishing habitat for her species if she survives. When she is fully grown, Bona will join the 19 other elephants at the ECC to be part of the CRU (Conservation Response Unit) where she will patrol against illegal poachers, plantation encroachment and any other activity that may harm her species’ last remaining precious habitat. She will be a true ambassador for her own species.