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Paul O’Grady’s Great Elephant Adventure Part 2, 7 April 2024, ITV
On Sunday, April 7, ITV1 viewers are in for a treat as Paul O’Grady continues his heartwarming and insightful journey in “Paul O’Grady’s Great Elephant Adventure.” In the second and final episode, O’Grady ventures to Thailand and Laos, shedding light on the remarkable efforts to rescue and rehabilitate elephants and other wildlife while also supporting the conservation of these magnificent creatures.
This series is particularly poignant as it marked the late star’s final TV project before his sudden death from cardiac arrhythmia in March 2023. The series was filmed in December 2022.
At the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), a sanctuary near Hua Hin, O’Grady encounters elephants rescued from the exploitative ‘entertainment’ and trekking camps. He forms a special bond with Pun, a 37-year-old elephant who endured a life of forced breeding, and assists in her full-body health assessment. O’Grady also meets Jum Nong, a 57-year-old elephant scarred by her traumatic past in the tourist trade, and takes it upon himself to craft a comfortable bed to aid her sleep.
The WFFT’s dedication to rescuing a diverse range of wildlife is further highlighted as O’Grady is granted access to their newest residents—11 Bengal tigers, including Susu, who is receiving care for a limp. The opportunity to get up close and personal with these majestic big cats leaves a profound impact on O’Grady.
Crossing the border to Laos, nicknamed the ‘land of a million elephants,’ O’Grady explores the critical efforts of the Elephant Conservation Centre near Luang Prabang. With fewer than 800 elephants remaining in the country, the centre’s breeding program offers a glimmer of hope. O’Grady immerses himself in elephant biology, overseeing ovulation tests and progesterone level checks for potential mothers. He also plays matchmaker for a young bull elephant, Phai Kham Sing, offering lighthearted yet important advice on navigating the mating game.
The episode concludes with a poignant Bacci ceremony, a traditional Laotian ritual invoking good luck and fortune for the future of Asian elephants. This emotional moment allows O’Grady to reflect on his journey and the profound connections he has forged with these gentle giants.
“Paul O’Grady’s Great Elephant Adventure” promises to enchant and educate viewers, offering a unique perspective on elephant conservation and the dedicated individuals working tirelessly to protect them.
Paul O’Grady’s Great Elephant Adventure Part 2 airs Sunday 7 April 2024 at 8.00pm on ITV1.
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