Boonme and Buabaan, two elephants with a staggering 80 years of captivity as laborers in Thailand, have finally broken free from the chains that bound them, thanks to a remarkable rescue effort. Formerly subjected to strenuous work in the logging industry and elephant trekking trade, they now bask in a renewed existence at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai.
The Journey to Freedom: Their liberation, a transformative moment for elephants enduring up to eight decades as slaves, was made possible through a substantial fundraising campaign. Christian Leblanc, a 23-year-old Canadian YouTube vlogger and filmmaker, played a pivotal role in spearheading the fundraising efforts required for their release.
The rescue mission was no small feat, involving a demanding 15-hour truck journey to Surin, followed by a strenuous 23-hour return trip with the elephants transported in specially designed trucks. Boonme and Buabaan’s journey from a life of captivity and hardship to one of freedom and serenity was arduous but ultimately triumphant.
Now, in the serene surroundings of a river and mud bath at the Elephant Nature Park, 80-year-old Boonme and 50-year-old Buabaan spend their days engaging in joyful activities. Splashing, playing, and relishing fresh fruits and vegetables, they revel in an idyllic existence that stands in stark contrast to the harsh conditions they endured for decades.
Christian Leblanc, expressing his delight, observed the elephants’ newfound happiness and highlighted their strong bond with a new companion named BaiCha. Before their release, these elephants were subjected to carrying numerous tourists daily, sometimes collapsing from sheer exhaustion.
Christian Leblanc’s forthcoming documentary, “Black Tusk,” aims to shed light on the inherent cruelty within Thailand’s elephant trekking industry. The documentary advocates for responsible elephant tourism and aims to foster awareness about the plight of these majestic animals.Following an extensive fundraising campaign, Boonme and Buabaan were successfully liberated from their owners and released into the sanctuary of Thailand’s Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai. Christian Leblanc’s efforts were instrumental in raising thousands of dollars to cover the expenses for their release.
In their relentless pursuit to reach Boonme and Buabaan, Christian and his team embarked on a 15-hour truck journey to the town of Surin, showcasing the dedication and determination that fueled this remarkable rescue mission. The story of Boonme and Buabaan serves as a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of compassion, breaking the chains that bound these elephants for decades and offering them a chance at a life of freedom and joy.