Chains and shackles are no way to live for any creature, especially not the noble elephant. The sight of these majestic giants being reduced to mere circus attractions is truly heart-rending.
Fortunately, there is a glimmer of hope as attitudes towards animal welfare are changing.
Instead of dwelling on the grim realities, let’s cast the spotlight onto an uplifting outcome. Our protagonist is Grandma Somboon, an elephant whose tale begins in a shroud of unimaginable horror.
Somboon was brutally torn away from her natural habitat as a young calf and forced into a life of over 80 years of strenuous toiling in the logging and tourism industries.
Like many of her kin, she experienced severe hardships – estranged from her offspring, made to perform like a puppet in shows, beg on urban streets, and offer rides to oblivious or indifferent tourists.
It’s important to acknowledge the role the tourism industry, driven by consumer demand, plays in perpetuating these cruelties.
Upon discovering Somboon’s dire circumstances, the Thailand-based Save Elephant Foundation was determined to intervene.
With a heartfelt declaration of ‘It’s time for Grandma to be cared for well and allowed to rest,’ the rescue mission rolled into action. The goal was not only to rescue Somboon but to provide her with a life-long sanctuary.
At the ripe age of 87, Somboon was finally rescued in January.
An entire lifetime of labour left her emaciated, toothless, visually impaired, severely dehydrated, and with damaged skin. However, amidst the grim medical assessment, a glimmer of hope emerged – she was now under the protective wings of the foundation.
The rescuers detailed that elephants new to the sanctuary would often take several weeks before they could lie down due to deep-seated mistrust.
Somboon, however, was an exception. Exhausted beyond measure from the journey and her tiresome life, she soon found comfort in the sand pile made for her, defying the common patterns.
Considering she spent her life tied to short chains on unforgiving concrete floors, it was no surprise that her first instinct was to lay down for a well-earned rest.
On reaching the sanctuary, Somboon succumbed to a deep, restorative sleep that lasted so long that caregivers struggled to awaken her.
The rescue team held their breath as they observed her progress. Each day was a step forward as she slowly adjusted to her improvised sand bedding, fresh food and water supply.
Although she still requires around-the-clock care, witnessing Somboon regain her strength each day has been incredibly rewarding. Her calm demeanor and progress serve as a stark reminder of the resilience of these animals.
As she continues her journey towards recovery at the Elephant Nature Park, her story serves as a powerful testament to the indomitable spirit of these amazing creatures.
Through the pain she endured, Somboon finally found a refuge where she can bask in the freedom and peace she rightfully deserves. Let her story serve as a beacon for proponents of animal rights worldwide.
To uncover more about the commendable work done by the Save Elephant Foundation, and their relentless efforts to uplift the lives of endangered elephants, seek out their mission online. Let’s all take a step towards making a difference, however small it might be.
