Positive
Learning
Method
Handling
Methods
Workshops
Well-Being
of Handlers
Elephant
Facts
Training
FAQ's
Why the
Need for
Elephant-
Friendly
Methods?
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Who We Are
The people of WEPA are a mix of different backgrounds, ranging from professionals in elephant training and animal behaviour science to volunteers with various skills. Meet some of us on this page.
Another group of crucial importantance are our partners, who have had and continue to have a major role in making the achievements possible.
Laurie Pond
Elephant Training Advisor
Laurie is widely recognized as a skilled animal-friendly trainer and handler with two decades of practical experience with elephants. In the photo, Laurie (on the left) is training an elephant for veterinary care in Thailand, where he has previously worked with local mahouts for two and a half years. He is currently employed as a Programme Development Manager at Australia Zoo, which kindly donates to WEPA the time Laurie spends in our field activities. Together with Andrew, Laurie has also participated in developing the Positive Learning Method.
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Helena Telkänranta
Director, President of the Board
Helena's professional background is that of an award-winning science journalist specializing in animal behaviour and nature conservation, but she has also been involved in various animal protection and nature conservation NGO’s for the most part of her life. One of her special interests is designing win-win situations, on which basis she started creating WEPA in 2005.
Linsey Kitchens
Institutional Relations Officer
With a professional background of a teacher, Linsey has volunteered in several charitable programmes. She got familiar with Nepal while working for improving the lives of rural women there. Equally to all others at WEPA, contributing to a better future for both people and animals is close to her heart.
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Marc Pierard
Head of Research and Development, Vice President of the Board
In addition to a long career in the Flemish Ministry of Environment in Belgium, Marc has been involved as a biologist in several research projects, including research on African elephants in the wild. At WEPA, Marc led the field team in Nepal in 2007 and continues to participate in planning. Besides elephants, Marc is also involved in science-based, animal-friendly horse training.
Ranjana Pajiyar
Field Coordinator, Senior Interpreter
Ranjana has strong family ties to the elephant tradition in Nepal. Her late grandfather was the head of the Elephant Breeding Centre of Khorsor at Chitwan, the largest elephant stable in Nepal. Her ethnic group, the Tharu, is the one from which most elephant handlers in Nepal come from. She is also a student of Environmental Science, in which she will soon complete her Master's degree.
...and others
Several other people also contribute with their skills to the common aim. Consultants to WEPA include development co-operation consultant Kristiina Mikkola and scientific consultant Dr. Andrew McLean. Previous inputs have included, among others, those of animal trainer Tuire Kaimio, photographer Minna Tallberg and videographer Nicki Stuart.
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