After being taken from her natural habitat as a newborn calf, this elephant worked tirelessly for more than 80 years in the tourism and logging industries.
She suffered like many other elephants, being taken away from her kids and forced to spend years performing in shows, begging on the streets, and giving rides.
She struggled on her feet every day, lugging tourists and working long days when she ought to have been enjoying her independence. It’s debatable who is responsible for this insanity, but it’s critical to acknowledge that the demand from tourists feeds the vicious circle of brutality.
In any case, the Save Elephant Foundation in Thailand realized they had to take every necessary action to save Somboon when they learned about her predicament.
“We’re on a rescue mission to protect Somboon and transport her to her final true home,” the rescue posted on Facebook in January, along with the statement, “It’s time for Grandma to be cared for well and allowed to rest.”
The 87-year-old neglected elephant was successfully rescued by the group in January.
She had spent her life working nonstop, but now she would be able to relax and be unrestricted. Somboon’s condition was far from good when she was taken to the Elephant Nature Park refuge. The elephant had cloudy eyes, was malnourished, had lost a tooth, and was extremely dehydrated. The fact that she was now protected was more significant than the fact that her skin didn’t look decent.
The rescue said that many new elephants take weeks to bed down after arriving because they are still afflicted by paranoia and a lack of trust.
Grandma Somboon, however, went against the grain. She quickly sought to the sand mound that had been prepared for her, resting soundly despite the busy activity all around her, exhausted from her voyage and a lifetime of hardship.
It was not surprising that Somboon wanted to lie down and rest right away after spending her entire life on her feet. Elephants cannot sleep on a concrete floor with their feet chained to a short chain, especially if they are elderly and have weak ankles.
Upon arriving at the sanctuary, Somboon fell asleep quickly and soundly, making it nearly impossible for her caregivers to wake her.
After her extended sleep, Somboon found it difficult to get back on her feet. But she did it in the end! Somboon has adapted to her new surroundings better than the rescue team had anticipated, which was understandable. Every rescued elephant is given complete care, which includes cozy sand beds, food, and water.
Although Somboon still needs care and attention for a large portion of the day, she gets better every day. She must feel so relieved to be free of her strenuous work and to be treated with the dignity she is due.
Somboon’s story serves as a reminder of the tenacity and spirit of these amazing animals as she continues her recuperation at the Elephant Nature Park refuge.
Somboon has found comfort and care in her new surroundings, where she may finally enjoy the freedom and tranquility she deserves, despite the struggles she has faced.
More information on the Save Elephant Foundation and their efforts to help endangered elephants can be found here.
