Elephants aren’t meant for a life in chains, yet many are still exploited in circus acts and tourism, a cruel reality that’s beginning to shift.
One such elephant, Grandma Somboon, endured 80+ years of forced labor in the logging and tourism industries after being kidnapped as a calf. She was separated from her young and forced to perform, carry tourists, and beg on the streets. While the demand from tourists fuels this cycle of cruelty, organizations like Save Elephant Foundation are working to change it.
In January, Save Elephant Foundation rescued Somboon at 87, bringing her to the Elephant Nature Park sanctuary. She arrived in poor health—emaciated, dehydrated, and with damaged eyes—but safe at last. Unlike other elephants, Somboon quickly laid down to rest after her long journey, showing her exhaustion from a lifetime of hardship.
Somboon’s progress at the sanctuary has exceeded expectations. Though she still requires care, she’s adjusting well, finally free from labor and receiving the respect she deserves. Her story is a powerful reminder of the resilience and spirit of elephants, and the ongoing efforts to improve their lives.