Blog - Save Elephant Foundation

Grandma Lily: A New Life of Peace After a Lifetime of Work

scott — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 20:34:55 +0000

Grandma Lily (DaoReung) is an elderly elephant who has spent her entire life serving humans. Now estimated to be over 65 years old, she has finally arrived at the sanctuary to begin a bright new chapter of her life—one defined not by work, but by rest, safety, companionship, and dignity.

For more than half a century, Lily worked in logging and later in tourism. After hauling logs from the forest for decades, she was moved to Chiang Mai, where she was forced to carry tourists on her back day after day for many years. In 1989, she was purchased by her long-term caretakers and relocated to Pattaya, where she continued working as a riding elephant.

Over the years, Lily was moved multiple times across Thailand—north, south, and east—following the demands of work and circumstance. Like so many elephants, her body bears the lasting evidence of that life. Deep scars on her trunk and shoulders reflect years of hardship and endurance.

In her later years, Lily’s health began to decline and she required special care. She can no longer chew properly due to worn teeth and can only eat soft foods. As her body weakened and her vision faded, she began to slow down significantly, becoming limited to shorter and fewer rides.

During COVID-19 and the suspension of tourism, Lily’s situation changed again. She spent several months at Wat Saman Rattanaram in Chachoengsao before eventually returning to Pattaya, where she did limited elephant riding again for a few years until she was too old to continue working in tourism. At this time, her owners contacted Save Elephant Foundation to rescue her and provide her with a comfortable life in her senior years.

Lily's Rescue Journey

During the long overnight journey to Chiang Mai, Lily showed signs of fatigue as an elderly elephant. She dozed off while standing several times along the way, so the team traveled slowly, making frequent stops to let her rest and stay comfortable—her safety and wellbeing remaining our top priority every step of the way.

On 6 May 2026, Lily finally reached her new sanctuary home. Since arriving, she has begun to show her gentle and talkative nature, calling out sweetly to caregivers and enjoying her soft meals.

Lily has now been released from quarantine and moved to the Senior Elephant Zone, where she is exploring her new surroundings at her own pace. She is already looking healthier and more relaxed. Although still adjusting, she is now safe, under close veterinary monitoring, and free from the demands of work for the first time in decades. We hope that in time she will make friends and join a herd.

Thanks to the support of Trunks Up and the donors who helped fund her rescue, Lily has been given the freedom to live a dignified life. After a lifetime of labor, she is now in a loving home where her remaining years will be spent in comfort, care, and peace—exactly as she deserves.

The post Grandma Lily: A New Life of Peace After a Lifetime of Work appeared first on Save Elephant Foundation.

Boon Lom’s Rescue: A Life Reclaimed

scott — Mon, 11 May 2026 15:00:54 +0000

On 18 April 2026, Boon Lom arrived at her new home—exhausted, overwhelmed, and carrying the weight of a life shaped by loss and hardship. At just 30 years old, she had already endured more tragedy than many elephants face in a lifetime.

When Boon Lom was young, she worked as a street-begging elephant for 2–3 years. Later, she spent more than 20 years working in the tourism industry, giving rides to tourists in Pattaya, despite a congenital deformity of her left hind leg.

For decades, Boon Lom was used in the riding industry, forced to carry tourists day after day. Behind this life of labour was a deeper suffering—one marked by separation and grief. She gave birth to three calves, yet was never allowed to raise any of them. Her first baby was soon sold to another camp. Her second was taken from her and later died. When they tried to remove that calf, Boon Lom fought fiercely to protect her baby. When her third calf was taken, another desperate struggle left her with an injury to her front leg.

By the time her rescue began, Boon Lom carried not only physical disabilities, but also deep emotional wounds from the cruelty she had endured for so many years.

Boon Lom's Rescue Journey

During the long journey to her sanctuary home, her anxiety was clear. She lashed out, grabbing branches and anything within reach, overwhelmed by fear and confusion. Her distress was understandable, given the multiple traumas that she had faced in her life, and the uncertainty of what lay ahead. The team did everything in their power to console and care for her throughout the journey, keeping her as calm and comfortable as possible.

When Boon Lom finally stepped into her new home, a quiet shift began. She gradually became less anxious, accepting food, resting, and slowly taking in her surroundings.

Here, in her loving forever home, she will have the chance of a fresh start in life. She will be given time to heal, to rediscover trust, and to form new bonds with other rescued elephants, many also recovering from past trauma.

Boon Lom’s rescue was made possible through the support of many, including Arron Jackson of Planting Peace, Timothy Sykes of Karmagawa Foundation, and compassionate supporters from around the world.

After a lifetime of loss, Boon Lom’s story is no longer defined by what was taken, but by what lies ahead. She still has many good years before her in a place of peace and gentle care, where her dignity will be honoured—free to simply be an elephant.

The post Boon Lom’s Rescue: A Life Reclaimed appeared first on Save Elephant Foundation.

A Brighter Future for Elephants in Bangladesh

scott — Thu, 07 May 2026 13:59:55 +0000

On April 13, 2026, two New Years were welcomed across Asia—Songkran in Thailand and the Bengali New Year in Bangladesh. A time traditionally marked by renewal and hope became a shared moment of purpose for those working to protect elephants.

In Dhaka, at Alliance Française de Dhaka, activists, diplomats, government leaders, and animal advocates gathered for an event focused on the future of elephants in Asia and Bangladesh.

Organized by the PAW Foundation in partnership with the Bangladesh Tree Protection Movement, the program brought together a powerful mix of voices and perspectives.

The event was honored by the presence of distinguished guests, including:
• Mr. Shaikh Faridul Islam, Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change of Bangladesh
• Thitiporn Chirasawasdi, Ambassador of Thailand
• Haji Haris Bin Othman, Ambassador of Brunei
• Saengduean Chailert, Save Elephant Foundation
• Aaron Jackson, Planting Peace

A documentary screening revealed the realities faced by elephants—lives shaped by exploitation in industries such as street begging, logging, and tourism—sparking meaningful discussion and reflection.

“Thank you to all dedicated activists—Rakibul Haque Amil, Tarana Hossain, Amirul Rajiv, Naim Ul Hasan, and your teams—you are the hope for the future. Special thanks to Mr Francois Chambraud and the entire team for hosting this important event.” —Saengduean Chailert

For Saengduean “Lek” Chailert, the visit carried deep personal significance. She has followed the lives of elephants in Bangladesh for many years, witnessing the suffering that has long defined their existence. Images of calves separated from their mothers during training left a lasting impression and became a call to action.

That call grew stronger when the story of an elephant named Nihakoli captured international attention. Through this, Lek connected with a group of passionate animal advocates, including Rakibul Amil and Tarana Hossain. What began as concern evolved into collaboration, building cooperation between Bangladesh and our organization in Thailand.

Today, that collaboration is beginning to bear fruit.

Bangladesh has taken significant steps toward improving elephant welfare. The recent passage of Bangladesh’s new wildlife conservation law has introduced new regulations prohibiting practices considered cruel or exploitative, including elephant riding, street begging, logging, and circus performances. Welfare standards are also improving through the development of chain-free shelters. Elephant shows, once crowded with tourists, are now closing, many left silent and overgrown.

During her recent visit, Lek met with a wide network of individuals committed to continuing this progress—activists, conservationists, policymakers, and community leaders working together toward a common goal.

“I would like to sincerely thank the Bangladeshi government—especially the Forest Department responsible for wildlife—for your vision and commitment to improving the lives of elephants and other wildlife in the country. Special thanks to Rakibul Amil, Amirul Rajiv, Tarana Hossain, and all the dedicated animal welfare advocates who continue working tirelessly to create meaningful change for elephants in Bangladesh. Protecting animal rights is not simply about creating a positive image. It is about creating a true transformation in conservation, compassion, and coexistence for the future. Save Elephant Foundation and our team are proud to support this important journey for change. With collaboration and compassion, real transformation is possible.” — Saengduean Chailert

The journey is far from over, but the direction is clear. What is unfolding in Bangladesh is a reminder that change is possible—not through a single voice, but through many coming together with a shared intention.

The post A Brighter Future for Elephants in Bangladesh appeared first on Save Elephant Foundation.

Som Pond’s Rescue: A Second Chance

scott — Tue, 05 May 2026 17:05:19 +0000

Another precious elephant has begun her journey to freedom. This is Som Pond’s story—an elderly elephant who is blind in one eye and has finally been given a second chance.

On 10 April 2026, Som Pond—a 45-year-old female elephant—arrived safely at her new home after a long overnight journey from Pattaya to Chiang Mai. For the first time in her life, she stepped into a place where no chains, no saddles, and no force will ever touch her again.

Som Pond’s past tells a familiar story of hardship. She spent nearly 30 years in the logging industry, followed by 11 years in a tourist riding camp, carrying people on her back day after day. For more than four decades, her life was shaped by control and forced labor.

The toll of those years is visible. Som Pond is blind in her right eye, and her eye socket is damaged—likely the result of a past injury caused by humans. Her skin bears the marks of neglect, with wounds and infections across her head. Small in stature and naturally shy, she has a gentle spirit, even after all she has endured.

Som Pond's Rescue Journey

When the rescue team arrived, Som Pond stepped onto the truck with surprising ease, as if she understood she was leaving her troubled past behind. Throughout the overnight journey, she remained calm—eating fruit and resting while the veterinary team cared for her, ensuring she stayed cool and comfortable.

Since arriving, Som Pond has begun to explore her surroundings at her own pace—no pressure, no demands. For the first time, she is simply allowed to be an elephant.

In the days that followed, she experienced something she had been denied her entire life—the freedom to run across grassy fields without chains or fear, expressing relief and joy that her life had taken a major turn for the better. Som Pond’s new life will be one of abundant nutritious food, the freedom to bathe and play in the river, explore her new world, enjoy mud baths, and form deep connections with other rescued elephants.

Som Pond’s rescue was made possible thanks to the support of Arron Jackson and Planting Peace, Timothy Sykes and Karmagawa Foundation, Nikki Sloup, together with many kind-hearted supporters around the world. Thanks to this collective kindness, Som Pond now has the chance to heal, to find companionship, and to live the rest of her life in peace and dignity—the life she has always deserved.

The post Som Pond’s Rescue: A Second Chance appeared first on Save Elephant Foundation.

SEF Founder Honored as Top Social Innovators Leader

scott — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 17:08:42 +0000

Heartfelt congratulations to Saengduean “Lek” Chailert, founder of Save Elephant Foundation (SEF), on receiving the prestigious “Top Most Social Innovators Leader” award, presented during World CSR Day on February 18, 2026, at Taj Lands End, Mumbai, India. Endorsed by the World Federation of CSR Professionals, this recognition celebrates her unwavering dedication to animal welfare, environmental conservation, and societal impact.

At the event, leaders from global organizations—including Microsoft, major automobile manufacturers, banks, media companies, and environmental groups—gathered to honor innovations in corporate social responsibility (CSR). Lek spoke about the challenges of running SEF, sharing how social innovation can maximize impact and transform CSR interest into long-term, sustainable collaborations.

She emphasized the importance of ensuring that employees, supporters, and partner organizations feel proud of their contributions to SEF’s mission. “Honesty and transparency are essential in building lasting partnerships,” she said, reflecting the core values that have guided the foundation through crises and helped it thrive while caring for thousands of animals and employing hundreds of people.

This award marks international recognition of the work of Save Elephant Foundation and its transformative impact on both animals and communities. Lek expressed gratitude to all partners and supporters and reaffirmed her commitment to improving standards of care and continuing her lifelong mission of protecting animals, empowering people, and safeguarding the environment.

The post SEF Founder Honored as Top Social Innovators Leader appeared first on Save Elephant Foundation.

Kham Than: A New Beginning at 60 Plus

scott — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 17:06:35 +0000

After more than forty years of labor at a riding camp, Kham Than is finally free. At around 60 years old, she has endured a lifetime of hardship carrying tourists at Mae Sa Elephant Camp, and has suffered the loss of her four babies, all of whom were taken from her at a young age. Her firstborn, Phang Khamsaen, is now 28 years old, while her youngest is a 9-year-old male named Khunphon. Three of her offspring still work at the riding camp, and one son was sold to a camp in Surin.

Despite all she has experienced, she remains a gentle soul—her soft eyes, graceful ears, and the unique markings across her trunk and body reflecting both her resilience and quiet dignity. Though she is not disabled, the years of labor have taken their toll, and she appears older than her age.

Kham Than's Rescue Journey

During her journey to her new home, Kham Than was understandably nervous as she stepped onto the rescue truck and throughout the two-hour trip to the sanctuary. Our founder, Lek Chailert, and her team remained by her side, offering water and food and ensuring she was as comfortable as possible along the way.

Everything changed upon her arrival on 21 March, 2026. As the chains that once bound her feet were finally removed, she lifted her trunk high and joyfully tossed sand over her body—a powerful expression of relief and newfound freedom.

Since her rescue, Kham Than has shown a remarkable transformation. When she arrived at the park, the resident elephants warmly welcomed her, showing curiosity and kindness as they approached to interact. She has adapted quickly to her new environment. Within a few days, she could be seen playing in the mud, lying down happily, and rolling around with visible joy. She was also given a large fruit cake to celebrate her new beginning. Soon, she will be able to join a herd and begin forming close and lasting friendships.

Our heartfelt thanks to Daniela Brunner and Giulia & Romeo, a vegan fashion brand from Germany, for making this rescue possible through Future for Elephants. Thanks to your compassion, Kham Than can now leave behind a life of hard labor and begin a gentler, brighter chapter—one filled with peace, care, and the freedom she has always deserved.

The post Kham Than: A New Beginning at 60 Plus appeared first on Save Elephant Foundation.

Protecting Elephants and Tigers in Laos

scott — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 17:55:49 +0000

At the Department of Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (Lao PDR) in Vientiane, Save Elephant Foundation (SEF), Thailand—represented by founder Saengduean “Lek” Chailert—met with the Department of Forestry of the Lao PDR on March 12, 2026. We were warmly welcomed by Associate Professor Dr. Somwang Pimmavong, Director-General of the Department of Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.

On this occasion, a signing ceremony was held for a Letter of Agreement (LoA) on cooperation and technical assistance regarding the management of wild and domesticated elephants and tigers in Laos under the Action Plan for Compliance (CAP).

Witnesses to the ceremony included Ms. Suchanya Saengsawang, Foundation Committee Member; Dr. Adul Saengthong, Chief Veterinarian of Save Elephant Foundation; Ms. Thipsuda Masit, Foundation staff member; Mr. Khamphon Bounthavy, Head of the Wildlife Management and CITES Division, Department of Forestry; Mr. Bounthavy Manivong, Deputy Head of the Wildlife Management and CITES Division; along with other officials from the Department of Forestry.

Save Elephant Foundation will support the Department of Forestry in managing and compiling data on tiger populations, as well as conducting sterilization and DNA sample collection. These measures aim to control illegal tiger breeding in Laos and establish a system that enables the government to effectively manage the tiger population at an appropriate level.

For elephants, Save Elephant Foundation will continue supporting conservation projects for domesticated elephants in Laos, with a focus on improving welfare through close collaboration with the Lao government.

Laos, once known as the “Land of a Million Elephants,” now has only a few hundred elephants remaining. A key challenge in protecting them has been the lack of accurate and comprehensive data on the domesticated population.

To address this, Save Elephant Foundation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Laos, is developing a national elephant database—now over 70% complete. Each elephant is being registered using microchip identification and barcode tracking systems, enabling quick and reliable access to individual records.

Once completed, Laos will become the first country in Asia to introduce an official “Elephant ID Card”—a modern, verifiable system designed to prevent illegal trade, monitor movement across regions, support conservation efforts, and improve welfare to international standards.

This initiative forms a critical foundation for the long-term protection of elephants in Laos, ensuring they are not only remembered as part of the country’s history, but safeguarded as part of its future. The collaboration may also extend to the protection of other wildlife, as requested by the Lao government.

“Our work with animals knows no borders. Wherever animals are in need of help, we are committed to contributing and doing our best to protect and care for all life.” — Saengduen Chailert

The post Protecting Elephants and Tigers in Laos appeared first on Save Elephant Foundation.

Moh Loh & Lek Lek: Three Years of Freedom

scott — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 20:53:37 +0000

This year marks the third anniversary of the rescue of Moh Loh and her daughter Lek Lek. Their rescue took place on Thai Elephant Day, making it an especially meaningful day to celebrate the happy lives they now enjoy.

Rescued from the remote Om Koi district in northern Thailand, their lives had been shaped by hardship and exploitation. For many years, Moh Loh had endured arduous labor, first in the logging industry and later giving rides to tourists. When Lek Lek was born in January 2020, she seemed destined to follow the same difficult path.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Save Elephant Foundation provided support to elephants in the Om Koi region, including Moh Loh and her calf. When tourism began to return and the pair were at risk of being sold back into the entertainment industry, arrangements were quickly made to bring them to safety.

After a long journey, they arrived at the sanctuary on 13 March 2023 to begin a new chapter in their lives. For the first time, Moh Loh and Lek Lek could experience life without chains or labor.

Today, they roam freely exploring the park, playing in the river, and enjoying long mud baths. Most importantly, mother and daughter will remain together forever, their bond growing stronger with each passing year.

Their family has grown to include a small, caring herd. Jokia, a gentle blind elephant, has become a devoted nanny to young Lek Lek, while Sai Fon, Apple, and Sri Sook complete this nurturing circle.

Surrounded by companionship and freedom, Lek Lek is growing up among a loving herd of elephants and, together with her mother, living a happy, free, and comfortable life—the way it should be.

The post Moh Loh & Lek Lek: Three Years of Freedom appeared first on Save Elephant Foundation.

NamThip’s Two-Year Rescue Anniversary: A Journey Toward Healing

scott — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:25:02 +0000

It has been two years since NamThip arrived at her new sanctuary home on 22 February 2026. In that time, this young elephant has begun a transformative journey from hardship and loneliness to safety, companionship, and the freedom to simply be an elephant.

NamThip was born in 2011 in Surin Province. When she was only eight months old, she was taken from her mother before she had even finished nursing. From that moment, her life followed a difficult path. Still a baby herself, NamThip was forced to work, entertaining people and begging on the streets late into the night while others slept.

The years that followed left deep marks on her body and spirit. When she was just two years old, an untreated injury caused her tail to rot and eventually fall away, leaving only a stump. Long hours walking along roads also damaged her eyes, a condition that still requires care today. By the age of thirteen, NamThip was severely underweight and struggling with multiple health problems.

In February 2024, NamThip’s life changed forever when she was rescued and brought to the park.

The beginning of her new life was not easy. She arrived weak and wary, facing serious health challenges including malnutrition, urinary issues, and chronic eye inflammation. But with dedicated veterinary care, a healthy diet, and patient mahouts, NamThip slowly began to recover. She quickly formed a deep bond with Malai Thong, who has become her adoptive mother, and joined her herd.

Today, two years on, NamThip’s world looks very different. She has found a family, who love and care for her. Under the gentle guidance of Malai Thong, who has embraced her like a daughter, and her devoted nanny, Mintra, NamThip is learning the rhythms of elephant life—exploring the grasslands, playing in the river, enjoying mud baths, and sharing peaceful moments and treats with her herd.

The once timid young elephant has grown more confident and curious. Her playful spirit shines through as she wanders the park, always returning when called by her adoptive mother and dedicated nannies.

NamThip’s story is one of resilience and hope. Though her past was filled with hardship, the love and protection she has found at the sanctuary have given her a chance to heal. Each day, as we watch her walk beside her herd, we are reminded of the power of compassion and the importance of giving elephants the life they deserve.

The post NamThip’s Two-Year Rescue Anniversary: A Journey Toward Healing appeared first on Save Elephant Foundation.

In Loving Memory of Lucky, a Beautiful and Inspiring Soul

scott — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 13:42:40 +0000

With deep sadness, we share the passing of our beloved Lucky, a gentle and inspiring elephant whose life touched the hearts of everyone who met her.

On the afternoon of 4 March 2026, during her regular visit to the river, Lucky suddenly collapsed. Her elephant family surrounded her in urgent concern, their calls filled with distress, and Lek rushed to her side.

Our dedicated veterinary team responded immediately and administered emergency treatment, helping to alleviate her distress. They quickly set up equipment to ensure her safety, using a crane to gently support her and surrounding her with soft piles of sand to cushion her if she fell. Despite briefly regaining consciousness and attempting to stand on two occasions, Lucky struggled to maintain her balance and collapsed each time.

For several years, Lucky had experienced neurological difficulties, including occasional stiffness and seizures. A few months ago, she had a similar episode when she fell in her shelter and injured the tip of her trunk. During that difficult time, her dear companions Thong Ae and Jenny stayed beside her constantly, watching over her with the deep devotion elephants share.

Earlier that same day, Lucky had seemed cheerful and content, enjoying her food and walking comfortably. None of us could have imagined that the afternoon would bring such a heartbreaking goodbye.

Lucky was born in 1985 and spent the early years of her life in a traveling circus. Forced to perform under bright lights and loud music from a young age, her life was filled with hardship. When she developed a severe eye infection as a young elephant, she was still made to continue working until she eventually lost her sight completely. Even after becoming blind, Lucky continued to be used for rides and photographs, before being left chained in a backyard when she could no longer perform.

The Rescue of Lucky

Lucky’s life changed forever in February 2013 when she was rescued and brought to her new home. At the sanctuary, she discovered kindness, safety, and the freedom to simply be an elephant.

She adjusted quickly, joining Mae Bua Loy and Mae Boon Ma shortly after her arrival, and later befriending Grandma Baan Yen. Their friendships played a crucial role in her recovery. Over the following years, Lucky was deeply affected by the passing of her friends at different times. For a while, she remained solitary, mourning the loss of her companions.

Despite her grief, Lucky formed new friendships with Jenny, Thong Ae, and Faa Mai. Though she could not see, she moved through the park with remarkable confidence, guided by familiar sounds, scents, and the reassuring presence of her herd. She especially loved spending time in the river, where she could splash, play, and enjoy the company of her younger friends. Lucky also had some endearing habits, including lying down to nap in the field on sunny days, stacking corn husks on her head, and drinking from the hose.

Lucky’s life reminds us of the incredible resilience of elephants and the healing power of love and compassion. Though we are heartbroken to lose her, we are grateful for the years she spent surrounded by care, friendship, and freedom. Sweet Lucky, you will always live on in our hearts. Your gentle spirit will never be forgotten.

The post In Loving Memory of Lucky, a Beautiful and Inspiring Soul appeared first on Save Elephant Foundation.