Elephants aren’t made for a life in chains.
Yet they’re still paraded around like circus props – utterly appalling in my opinion.
Fortunately, attitudes are starting to shift.
And today, let’s choose to focus on the positive, even though Grandma Somboon’s story begins in horror and cruelty.
This elephant was kidnapped from her natural habitat as a young calf and endured 80+ years of grueling labor in the logging and tourism sectors.
Like many other elephants, she endured hardships, separated from her children and subjected to years of performing in shows, begging on the streets, and providing riding services.
Day in and day out, she toiled on her feet, carrying tourists and enduring long shifts when she should have been enjoying her freedom. Who is to blame for this madness can certainly be debated, but it’s important to recognize that the demand from tourists perpetuates this cycle of cruelty.
Anyways, when Save Elephant Foundation in Thailand became aware of Somboon’s situation, they knew they had to do anything in their power to save her.
“It’s time for Grandma to be cared for well and allowed to rest,” the rescue shared on Facebook i January and added: “We’re on a rescue mission to protect Somboon and transport her to her final true home.”
And so, in January, the organization succeeded in rescuing the neglected elephant, who is now 87 years old.
She had worked tirelessly her entire life – but now, she would find rest, free from her shackles. Somboon was transported to the Elephant Nature Park sanctuary, but her condition was far from okay. The elephant was emaciated, missing a tooth, had hazy eyes and she was severely dehydrated. Her skin didn’t look good either – but the most important thing was that she was now safe.
“Upon arrival, many new elephants, still plagued by paranoia and lack of trust, take weeks before they will lie down,” the rescue wrote.
“However, Grandma Somboon defied the norm. Exhausted from her journey and a lifetime of hardship, she promptly sought the sand pile prepared for her, sleeping soundly amidst the bustling activities around her.”
Having spent her entire life on her feet, it wasn’t surprising that the first thing Somboon wanted to do was lay down and rest. Elephants, especially older ones with weak ankles, cannot endure sleeping with their feet tied to a short chain on a concrete floor.
When Somboon arrived at the sanctuary, the first thing she did was to sleep long and deep, with the caregivers almost struggling to wake her.
Getting back on her feet after her long slumber was a bit of a challenge for Somboon. But eventually, she managed it! The rescue team was understandably unsure of how well Somboon would adjust to her new environment, but it has exceeded expectations. Each rescued elephant receives full care, including food, water, and comfortable sand beds.
She still requires care and attention for much of the day, but Somboon makes progress every day. She must be incredibly relieved to be free from her heavy labor and to receive the respect she deserves.
As Somboon continues her journey of recovery at the Elephant Nature Park sanctuary, her story serves as a reminder of the resilience and spirit of these magnificent creatures.
Despite the hardships she endured, Somboon has found solace and care in her new environment, where she can finally experience the freedom and peace she deserves.
Here you can read more about Save Elephant Foundation and their work to improve the lives of vulnerable elephants.