Elephants aren’t meant for a life in bondage,
yet they’re still showcased like circus accessories – a reprehensible practice, in my view.
Thankfully, perspectives are beginning to change.
Despite the harrowing and cruel origins of Grandma Somboon’s story, let’s opt to highlight the positive today.
This elephant, snatched from her natural habitat as a calf, endured over 80 years of laborious work in logging and tourism.
Alongside numerous other elephants, she faced trials, enduring separation from her offspring and enduring years of performing, begging, and providing riding services on the streets.
Every day, she labored tirelessly, bearing the weight of tourists when she should have been roaming freely. While the blame for this injustice may spark debate, it’s crucial to acknowledge that tourist demand sustains this cycle of suffering.
However, when the Save Elephant Foundation in Thailand learned of Somboon’s plight, they were determined to do everything within their means to rescue her.
In January, the rescue shared on Facebook, “It’s time for Grandma to receive proper care and be granted the peace she deserves.” They added, “We’re embarking on a rescue mission to safeguard Somboon and relocate her to her rightful, permanent home.”
In January, the organization achieved the rescue of the neglected 87-year-old elephant. Having dedicated her life to toil, she would finally find repose, liberated from her chains. Somboon was relocated to the Elephant Nature Park sanctuary, though her condition was concerning. Emaciated, with a missing tooth, cloudy eyes, severe dehydration, and poor skin condition, her safety was paramount above all else.
“The rescue noted, ‘Upon arrival, numerous new elephants, still grappling with fear and distrust, often take weeks before they feel comfortable enough to rest.”
“However, Grandma Somboon defied expectations. Fatigued from her journey and a lifetime of adversity, she immediately sought solace on the sand pile provided for her, peacefully sleeping despite the bustling activity around her.”
After a lifetime spent standing, it was natural that Somboon’s first instinct was to lay down and find rest. Elephants, particularly older ones with fragile ankles, cannot bear sleeping with their feet tethered to a short chain on a hard concrete surface.
Upon arriving at the sanctuary, Somboon immediately sank into a profound and uninterrupted sleep, prompting the caregivers to exert considerable effort to rouse her.
Recovering from her extended rest posed a slight hurdle for Somboon. However, she persevered and successfully regained her footing! The rescue team initially harbored doubts about Somboon’s adaptation to her unfamiliar surroundings, but her progress has surpassed all expectations. Each rescued elephant receives comprehensive care, ensuring they have access to nourishment and cozy sand bedding.
Although Somboon still demands considerable care and attention throughout the day, she continues to make strides in her recovery with each passing day. Undoubtedly, the relief of being liberated from arduous labor and receiving the reverence she merits must be immensely gratifying for her.
Somboon’s ongoing journey of healing at the Elephant Nature Park sanctuary stands as a poignant testament to the remarkable resilience and indomitable spirit inherent in these majestic beings.
