After 80 Years of Hardship, Rescued Elephant SomBoon Finally Lies Down to Rest for the First Time

SomBoon’s heartbreaking life of captivity

SomBoon, an elderly elephant, is one such victim. She was captured when she was only a baby and spent nearly 80 years serving humans—first in the logging industry and later in tourism.

For decades, she carried heavy loads, gave rides to tourists, and endured harsh living conditions without proper rest or medical care. Her life was marked by constant exhaustion and confinement. Fortunately, her suffering came to an end when Save Elephant Foundation intervened, rescuing her from a lifetime of servitude and bringing her to Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary dedicated to saving abused and neglected elephants.

The rescue that changed everything

In January, Saengduean “Lek” Chailert, founder of Save Elephant Foundation, shared the heartwarming news of SomBoon’s rescue. Chailert, often referred to as “Thailand’s Elephant Whisperer,” has spent decades working to improve the lives of elephants across the country. Her message about SomBoon touched thousands online: “It’s time for all Grandma elephants to rest. SomBoon will soon know freedom.”

When the rescue team arrived to free her, SomBoon was frail, with missing teeth and dry, scaly skin—a sign of years of malnutrition and neglect. Despite her poor health, the moment she stepped foot into the sanctuary, she seemed to understand she was finally safe.

A moment of rest after a lifetime of pain

Elephants who have endured captivity often struggle to trust humans again. Many are too afraid or physically weak to lie down for weeks after being rescued. However, SomBoon defied expectations. After her long and exhausting journey to the Elephant Nature Park, she immediately sought the soft sand pile prepared for her and gently laid down—for the first time in 80 years.

The rescue team was overcome with emotion, many shedding tears as they witnessed this powerful moment. After a deep sleep, SomBoon struggled to get up, prompting her caretakers and veterinary team to rush to her aid. With their help, she managed to stand again. This touching scene symbolized not just her physical freedom, but the beginning of her emotional healing.

Healing and a new beginning at Elephant Nature Park

Now surrounded by love and compassion, SomBoon’s recovery journey has begun. The sanctuary provides her with nutritious meals, medical care, and freedom to move at her own pace. She enjoys mud baths, leisurely walks, and the gentle company of other rescued elephants.

SomBoon’s transformation has inspired thousands around the world, showing the power of kindness and rehabilitation. Her caretakers continue to monitor her closely, ensuring she regains her strength and confidence after decades of exploitation.

The woman behind Thailand’s elephant rescue movement

Saengduean Lek Chailert’s passion for elephants began when she was a child. Her grandfather, a traditional healer, once received an elephant named Thong Kham, sparking her lifelong devotion to these majestic animals. In the 1990s, she began rescuing abused elephants, and by 2003, she established Elephant Nature Park in Northern Thailand—a haven for elephants, dogs, cats, and other rescued animals.

Over the years, Chailert has received global recognition for her tireless work. She has been featured in National Geographic, CNN, and Discovery Channel, and has earned prestigious awards, including the Legion d’Honneur from French President Emmanuel Macron in 2022, and being named one of TIME Magazine’s “Heroes of Asia.”

Hope for Thailand’s elephants

Asian elephants are an endangered species, facing severe threats from poaching, deforestation, and tourism exploitation. Yet, thanks to organizations like Save Elephant Foundation and Elephant Nature Park, many elephants are finding refuge and healing.

SomBoon’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to make a difference. After 80 years of hardship, she is finally experiencing peace, love, and care—living out her golden years as nature intended.

Supporters around the world have shared messages of gratitude for her rescuers and well-wishes for SomBoon, hoping she continues to enjoy the gentle, free life she has always deserved.