80-year-old Elephant finally rescued from the place where she was forced to work her entire life

The old elephant was rescued by a non–profit organization in Thailand and is currently leading a happy life.

PUBLISHED JAN 10, 2025

Elephants in the wild | (Cover Image Source: Pexels | Follow Alice)

The systematic exploitation of elephants is unfortunately very prevalent in many industries around the world. From tourist trekking camps to logging camps, countless innocent elephants endure terrible conditions and are made to work grueling hours, all for human profit. Thailand is one such country which is home to approximately 15% of the 52,000 Asian elephants currently living in the wild. Unfortunately, many of these animals are stolen from the wild and then kept enslaved for the rest of their lives.

Elephants walking in the wild | (Image Source: Pexels | Casey Allen)

Such is the story of SomBoon, an 80-year-old elephant who was separated from family and taken in when she was just a little baby. SonBoon then went on to spend her entire life working in the logging and tourism industries until she was rescued by the Save Elephant Foundation at the age of 80. Saengduean Lek Chailert, the founder of the non–profit organization, announced her rescue on social media in January.

Elephant standing in front on a waterbody | (Image Source: Pexels | Harvey Sapir)

"It’s time for all Grandma elephants to rest," Saengduean wrote. "An elderly elephant named SomBoon will soon know that freedom. It’s time for Grandma to be well cared for and allowed to rest. We’re on a rescue mission to protect SomBoon and transport her to her final true home," she added. The woman explained that the poor elephant was forced to serve for many decades and still spends all day every day on her feet, carrying tourists on her back.

Grey Elephant Throwing Sand With Trunk Near Green Trees | (Image Source: Pexels | Pixabay)

After the grueling hours, the elephants would stay in truly horrible condition: they were skinny, missing teeth, and suffering from dry, scaly skin. Yet despite it all, it seemed that SomBoon knew she was finally safe. “Upon arrival, many new elephants, still plagued by paranoia and lack of trust, take weeks before they will lie down,” the rescue shared. However, SonBoon promptly sought the sand pile that was there just for her and was finally able to rest and sleep. The entire team was moved to tears seeing the animal rest after being on her feet for so long.

Elephants in the wild | (Image Source: Filip Olsok)

The exhausted elephant woke up after hours of deep sleep and was unable to get herself standing again. She was aided by the team and critical care staff and later regained her ability to stand. Thankfully, the elephant is feeling a lot better now and is finally getting everything she deserves like nutritious meals, leisurely walks, and mud baths. The elephant rescue centre is located in Northern Thailand where anyone can visit and the place and volunteer to help.

Chailert had the passion to rescue these mighty yet gentle creatures right from the beginning. Her grandfather was a traditional healer and was gifted an elephant named Thong Kham, which Saengduean grew to love and care for deeply. She began rescuing elephants, including elderly ones, back in the 90s, and she established Elephant Nature Park later in 2003. Saengduean went on to receive many awards and honors for her conservation work including being honored as one of the six Women Heroes of Global Conservation in 2010. She is also one of the TIME Magazine's Heroes of Asia in 2005.