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| Elephant Gifts from Surin, Thailand |
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Under the clear sky of October 29, 2002, the Introduction Ceremony for the Asian Elephants, Artid and Authai from Surin, Thailand, was held at the Ueno Zoo in Tokyo, Japan. The name "Artid" means "Sun" in the Thai language, while "Authai" means "Sunrise." The names were chosen to reflect the beauty of the Japanese national flag. Artid (male, 5-year-old) and Authai (female, 4-year-old) were presented from Surin as symbols of two things in particular: the sincere celebration for the birth of Princess Aiko of the Royal Family of Japan from the Royal Family of Thailand; and an expression of deep appreciation and friendship from the people of Surin to Japanese tree planting volunteers of OISCA-Kanagawa Branch who have come over the last 20 years. |
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At the ceremony, almost 500 invitees showed
up, including Hon. Kasemsak Sanpote, Governor of Surin Province, Chairman
of OISCA-Thailand; the Chairman of OISCA-Surin Branch; and OISCA members
from Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. When a decorated ball was opened, more
than 1,000 people rushed to the area, which caused Artid to try and escape.
The ceremony took place due to the efforts of members from OISCA-Surin
Branch, OISCA-Thailand Chapter, OISCA-Kanagawa, and others. In Surin,
OISCA's agricultural technology transfer started 1975. Tree planting started
in 1980 and continues up to today. The forested area now covers 300 hectares
and 39 schools are participating in the Children's Forest Program. High
school students and members of OISCA-Surin are working together for global
environment education programs. On January 19-26, 2003, Dr. Yoshiko Nakano,
President of OISCA-International visited Thailand, including Surin, and
was pleased to have the opportunity to interact with OISCA Thailand members
again.
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Japanese volunteers and high school students planted trees together in Surin. |
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The trees planted in 1980 and 1983 grew up and became forest after 20 years. |
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