Thailand’s beloved symbol feasted and honored

Elephants throughout Thailand were feasted and honored earlier this week in celebration of National Elephant Day.

At a recreation park in eastern Chonburi province, a herd of elephants were fed an assortment of delicacies that included bananas and watermelons.

Elephants have long been revered in Thailand as a symbol of cultural heritage and national pride. But their numbers have decreased by more than 70 percent over the past 65 years. National Elephant Day on March 13th serves as a reminder to protect the iconic beasts.

Thai experts say elephants have fallen victim to poaching, deforestation and abuse related to entertainment tourism.