Unchained Elephants, founded by Mr Villota and supported by his wife Susan, initially emerged as an initiative to use ‘non-fungible tokens’ (NFTs) to help fund a response to the challenges faced by elephants during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Their mission was to use NFTs to raise funds for elephants that had become ‘unemployed’ due to travel restrictions. During this phase, they successfully raised US$10,000, which was used to provide essential care and food for eight elephants in various camps across Thailand, explained Mr Villota.
However, as COVID-19 restrictions eased and tourism resumed, so too did elephant tourism, Unchained Elephants had to shift their focus to the new problem at hand. Their new objective became the rescue of elephants in dire conditions and the education of travelers about the elephant tourism industry, he added.
“It all started when we were assisting another person who was looking for an elephant to rescue. Through the help of Thai animal activist Chayanan Assawadhammanond, we came across ‘Kanoon’, who was living in dire conditions on a garbage dump in Chiang Mai,” Mr Villota told The Phuket News.
“However, when we presented the story of this bull elephant to the person we were assisting, he said that the story was ‘not good enough’ for social media and preferred finding a baby elephant. This is when Unchained Elephants decided to step up to rescue this bull,” he explained.
Chained up next to a garbage dump in Mae Tang, Chiang Mai, with scarce food and one functioning eye, 55-year-old bull elephant ‘Kanoon’ endured four brutal years in captivity in Chiang Mai. Kanoon was malnourished. His plight was nothing short of devastating, Mr Villota said.
Kanoon’s heart-wrenching circumstances shed light on a much broader issue: abandoned male elephants in Thailand left to suffer without proper care or resources. With his owner unable to provide the proper care he so desperately needed, Kanoon faced the grim prospect of entering the illegal logging industry or the glimmer of a chance at salvation.
After consulting with elephant experts and learning more about Kanoon’s distressing situation, Unchained Elephants, namely Mr Villota and Ms Kiely, made the decision to embark on a rescue mission.
Starting their fundraising efforts on June 24, the team rallied to raise US$19,118 (B650,000), a sum that would pave the way for Kanoon’s rescue and relocation to an ethical elephant sanctuary in Thailand. There, Kanoon would finally be unchained, receiving the love, care, and sanctuary he so rightfully deserved.
On Aug 15, at 10:55pm, their mission was accomplished. A total of US$19,495 (B662,852) had been raised, with 60% from crowdfunding and 40% through leveraging NFTs.
RESCUE MISSION
Kanoon’s unique status as a bull elephant presented an unprecedented hurdle, causing many sanctuaries to hesitate in extending refuge due to the distinctive requirements of caring for a male elephant, Mr Villota explained.
Undeterred, a safe haven for Kanoon was found: ‘BLES - Boon Lott’s Elephant Sanctuary’ in Sukhothai. “BLES came forward with open arms, generously offering to provide Kanoon with a forever home at their ethical elephant sanctuary in Sukhothai,” Mr Villota recalled.
The challenging rescue journey began on Sept 5, lasting a tough 13 hours amidst a storm while moving Kanoon from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai.
“This rescue mission combines the power of new technology with real-world impact, benefiting not only elephants but also other causes around the world. It leverages digital assets that not only do good but also build a strong and committed community around the cause," said Mr Villota.
"We are really grateful to our partners (Vicki Kiely and BLES), our sponsors (Hyatt Regency Phuket, Stay Wellbeing Resort & The Beach Resort Koh Samui), and every individual who contributed to making this rescue a reality. We could not have done this without all of you supporting us. Our commitment to educating travelers and promoting ethical elephant tourism to have a bigger impact remains unwavering as well as looking forward to our next rescue,” he said.
UNITED EFFORT
“I have been working in animal welfare and as an animal activist for over 10 years now. Daniel approached me in early 2022 to seek my advice, and invite me on board to Unchained Elephants as the spokesperson for the elephants, as an activist, and as an educator,” Ms Kiely told The Phuket News.
“He knew I had been working with Khao Sok Elephant Sanctuary, and also had been trying to help camps transition to more sanctuary style models here in Phuket, so it made sense for us to work together,” she added.
“My goal is still to inspire and work with more camps in Phuket to improve the lives of the elephants and show the camp owners that there is a more ethical and cruelty free way to operate. I am confident that we can achieve this. I am so looking forward to our next rescue and also in educating the tourists coming to Thailand on where to choose their elephant experience, ones that are ethical and where the animals welfare comes first and foremost,” Ms Kiely said.
In the coming weeks and months, Unchained Elephants will focus on raising funds for Kanoon’s care at BLES, continue to educate travelers and promote ethical elephant tourism, and scout for captive elephants in need of rescuing.
To follow Kanoon’s journey to recovery, future elephant rescue missions and to stay updated on the ongoing efforts to protect and care for elephants, visit UnchainedElephants.com or visit their social media, Instagram and YouTube channels
Unchained Elephants is also linked with ‘Discovering Phuket’ (DP), a startup where NFT holders gain access to discounts for tours and activities on the island.
“This is under development. This project will focus on promoting sustainable programs for travelers here in Phuket,” Mr Villota noted.
“DP will also serve as a platform to educate travelers about the realities of elephant tourism and promote ethical venues, starting right here on the island,” he concluded.