Target: Surasak Karnjanarat, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment for Thailand
Goal: Protect people and wildlife from deadly human-animal interactions.
A recent tragic incident involving the death of 22-year-old Blanca Ojanguren Garcia at Koh Yao Elephant Care in Thailand serves as a distressing reminder of the potential dangers to both animals and people that can arise in environments where wild animals are kept. While bathing a 45-year-old female elephant named Phang Somboon, Blanca was gored by the elephant’s tusk, resulting in severe injuries that led to her untimely death. This incident reportedly occurred in the presence of her boyfriend, who witnessed the horrifying event unfold.
Further investigations suggest that the elephant may have been stressed, raising serious concerns about the conditions under which animals and are kept at such facilities. Following the incident, it was revealed that an elephant trainer, Theerayut Inthaphudkij, has been charged with negligence in connection to this tragic incident. The circumstances surrounding Blanca’s death could indicate a broader issue of how elephants are treated and handled at care centers, particularly when tourist interactions are involved. Immediate action is necessary to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future and to ensure the well-being of both elephants and visitors.
Therefore, it is imperative that legal action is pursued against those allegedly responsible for this tragedy. This incident is not just a personal loss for Blanca’s family but also a call to action to prioritize safety in environments that engage with potentially dangerous wildlife. Accountability must be established to seek justice for Blanca, protect animals, and promote safer practices within elephant care facilities.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister Surasak Karnjanarat,
The recent tragic event that led to the death of 22-year-old Blanca Ojanguren Garcia at Koh Yao Elephant Care has understandably invoked outrage and deep sorrow. While bathing the elephant Phang Somboon, Blanca was gored to death by this animal, a horrific tragedy witnessed by her boyfriend. Reports indicate that the elephant may have been under stress, thereby raising critical questions about the treatment of elephants in captivity and how such facilities are managed.
The impact of this incident extends beyond just one family; it is a sobering reminder of the inherent risks associated with wild animals and the need for stringent safety protocols at elephant care centers. For the sake of Blanca’s memory and to protect future visitors and animals, it is vital that accountability prevails in this situation.
We urge authorities to take appropriate legal measures against those reportedly responsible for this tragic event. Ensuring that justice is served in this matter is essential, not only to honor Blanca’s life but to safeguard both human lives and the welfare of elephants in such facilities.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
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