Still looking out for the elephants

Katherine's mission to save the elephants of Thailand was triggered when she met Boon Lott, or Babar as he is known in England. Babar sadly died despite Guardian readers kindly donating money to give the disabled elephant a better life.

But Katherine is now building a sanctuary to give the Thai elephants a better life and help the species flourish in the South East Asian country. This is her second in her series of updates.: "I have purchased the wood to build the sanctuary which is really exciting. It was a long selection process, but we are happy with what we have.

"After two days of looking at piles of logs, we decided to do it ourselves. We went into the forest and chose the trees we wanted and they are being cut down and brought to the land next week. We have enough wood to build the guest accommodation and a viewing hut, which will also be used as a teaching area, eating area and relaxation area.

"I am having two signs made as well. They should be finished within the next two weeks. We are putting a small fence around the perimeter of the land. The purpose of this fence is primarily to mark the borders so we can see clearly what we are working with.

"We have built a well which will act as a drinking hole for the elephants. We have cleared the land in preparation for the building of the meeting hut and also the hospital. Today we planted our first tree, the first of many hopefully!

"I am also looking at buying some more land. It is next to the land we already have and it is a banana tree plantation, so we will be able to use it for elephant food. It is a very good opportunity and we are in negotiations with the landowner at the moment. He is asking a fair price, but I need to raise some money first and am asking him to wait a while."

lTo donate, cheques can be made payable to Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary and sent to 45 Fullers Road, South Woodford, London E18 2QB.