A student of animal care has spent his work experience placement rescuing abused and neglected elephants in Thailand, Joseph Lee writes.

Jon Taylor, who is due to complete his level 3 BTEC at Derby College in June, decided against working for his local pet shop and instead earned a place at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai. The park provides sanctuary for some 30 elephants rescued from the streets of Bangkok, worn out through back-breaking work or injured by landmines.

Jon has been learning how to feed them and treat their health problems, as well as planting crops for their food. “I’ve always been fascinated by elephants, so I’m over the moon,” he said.

Elephants are the national animal of Thailand, but hunting and human population growth have contributed to their numbers falling to just 3,000, according to the park.