Sao Viet

Freedom! An elephant chained to a hard concrete surface for 80 years has finally found peace at the Elephant Nature Park in Thailand. Having been confined for almost its entire life, with weak legs and a weary spirit, it never knew true rest.

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by

Binh
in

Elephant rescued after working every day for 80 years

An elephant has been rescued after working every day for the last 80 years.

SomBoon was captured when she was a calf.

The grandma elephant had been used for giving rides since 1944.

At the time, World War Two was coming to an end, and Winston Churchill was PM in the UK.

She was rescued from a riding camp in Pattaya, Thailand.

The Save Elephant Foundation brought her back to their rescue centre after eight decades of daily slog.

An elephant named SomBoon, rescued after 80 years of working, finds peace at the Elephant Nature Park in Thailand, enjoying care and comfort after a lifetime of hardship.
SomBoon. (Picture: Jam Press)

She is currently being cared for by specialists at the Elephant Nature Park (ENP) in Kuet Chang.

A Save Elephant Foundation spokesperson said: “Like many rescued elephants, she was captured over 80 years ago, torn from the wild and family, and trained to serve humanity for decades.

“Elephants, especially older ones with weak ankles, cannot endure sleeping with their feet tied to a short chain on a concrete floor.

“Grandma Elephant SomBoon, who endured this for a lifetime, finally found peace at ENP, where we meticulously prepare living conditions for new members.”

An elephant named SomBoon, rescued after 80 years of working, finds peace at the Elephant Nature Park in Thailand, enjoying care and comfort after a lifetime of hardship.
SomBoon. (Picture: Jam Press)

The animal rights group shared a photo of SomBoon falling asleep the moment she entered her new enclosure.

The spokesperson added: “Upon arrival, many new elephants, still plagued by paranoia and lack of trust, take weeks before they will lie down.

“However, Grandma SomBoon defied the norm.

“Exhausted from her journey, and a lifetime of hardship, she promptly sought the sand pile prepared for her, sleeping soundly amid the bustling activities around her.”

They also posted a photo of the worn-out elephant being helped to her feet with a pulley after her mammoth sleep.

The group said: “After an hour of deep slumber, SomBoon attempted to rise but couldn’t, inducing panic.

“Critical care staff swiftly aided her, helping her regain the ability to stand.”

The spokesperson added: “A vigilant team of veterinarians and carers will closely monitor her condition.”

In an update several days later, the group said: “Grandma SomBoon is radiant and content, enjoying her mud spa.

An elephant named SomBoon, rescued after 80 years of working, finds peace at the Elephant Nature Park in Thailand, enjoying care and comfort after a lifetime of hardship.
SomBoon. (Picture: Jam Press)

“It’s beautiful to witness her embracing her new sanctuary life with such joy and grace.”
SomBoon will spend the twilight of her life enjoying nutritionally balanced food, pleasant strolls, and soothing mud baths at the rescue centre, as reported by Need To Know.