Elephants are not designed for a life in chains. Despite this, they are being paraded around like circus props, which I find very unacceptable.

Fortunately, attitudes are beginning to alter. And now, let us choose to focus on the good, although Grandma Somboon’s narrative begins with tragedy and brutality.

When this elephant was a young calf, the forestry and tourism industries forced it to labor for more than 80 years.

Like many other elephants, she was torn from her young and forced to spend years performing in shows, begging on the streets, and offering riding services.

She spent all day on her feet, lugging tourists and working long shifts when she should have been enjoying her independence. Tourist demand fuels the cycle of violence, but who is to blame is debatable.

The Save Elephant Foundation in Thailand felt they had to do everything they could to save Somboon.

“It’s time for Grandma to be well cared for and allowed to rest,” the rescue said on Facebook in January, adding, “We’re on a rescue mission to protect Somboon and transport her to her final true home.”

So, in January, the charity successfully rescued the neglected elephant, who is now 87 years old.

She had worked diligently her entire life, but now she could relax, free of her constraints. The Elephant Nature Park refuge welcomed Somboon, but her condition was not good. The elephant was malnourished, missing a tooth, with blurry eyes, and very dehydrated. Her skin didn’t look great either, but the most important thing was that she was now safe.

Many new elephants take weeks to bed down after arriving, still afflicted by paranoia and a lack of confidence, according to the charity.

“But Grandma Somboon rejected the norm. Exhausted from her voyage and a lifetime of difficulty, she immediately sought the sand mound prepared for her, sleeping comfortably among the frenetic activity around her.”

Somboon had been on her feet her whole life, so it was no surprise that she wanted to lie down and relax. Elephants, particularly elderly ones with weak ankles, cannot sleep with their feet connected to a short chain on a concrete floor.

When Somboon came to the sanctuary, she fell asleep quickly and deeply, making it difficult for the caregivers to rouse her up.

After such a long sleep, Somboon found it difficult to get back on her feet. But she ultimately did it! The rescue crew was naturally apprehensive about how successfully Somboon would adjust to her new surroundings, but she has outperformed expectations. We provide complete care for each rescued elephant, including food, drink, and comfortable sand beds.

Somboon continues to require care and attention for most of the day, but she is making improvements. She must be overjoyed to be free of her strenuous effort and to receive the recognition she deserves.

As Somboon continues her rehabilitation at the Elephant Nature Park refuge, her narrative serves as a reminder of the strength and soul of these wonderful beasts.

Despite the difficulties she has faced, Somboon has found comfort and care in her new surroundings, where she may finally enjoy the freedom and calm she deserves.

You may learn more about the Save Elephant Foundation and their efforts to improve the lives of endangered elephants.