Humans consider elephants to be gentle, caring giants in the animal kingdom. These beautiful creatures are often used for human entertainment in circuses, zoos, and other popular gatherings.
Thong Bai was one of these abused animals.
Elephants are venerated in Thailand. Thong Bai, the famous Thai bull elephant, has been entertaining tourists for almost 40 years.
Lek Chailert, the founder of the Elephant Sanctuary, is an advocate for the protection and rescue of elephants. He regularly shares information about elephants like Thong Bai and updates everyone on his journey on his Facebook page.
“He has served people for more than forty years, and he deserves his freedom,” Lek said in one post.
Thong Bai has finally been released after many years.
The privately owned elephant Thong Bai has already appeared in a lot of advertisements. He routinely makes appearances in beer ads, movies, and weddings.
Lek brought Khun NuNa Silpa-archa to Surin province a year prior to the elephant’s release so that she could see Thong Bai and the other elephants in the care facility.
The visitor made the decision to help needy elephants after seeing Thong Bai’s former life and the grandeur of his appearance. She worked very hard to release the beautiful elephant.
Khun NuNa Silpa-archa worked very hard to free the elephants she worked with. She was successful a year later.
After coming to an agreement with the activists advocating for the elephant’s freedom, the owner consented to allow him to roam freely in an enclosure.
His new home would be part of the Surin Project, which aims to improve the living conditions of working elephants and the financial situation of their mahouts.
The community helped construct a shelter for Thong Bai in order to get him ready for his release into society.The Surin government looked after the site, and the Thai Beverage Company helped finance the development.
Now that he has a stable home, the elephant may move around fearlessly. He is no longer forced to wear chains or work. His habitat is filled with muck and shade, as well as a fountain and lots of open space.
The day that everyone has been anticipating has finally arrived. “I’m finally free after more than forty years in shackles,” writes Lek. Thong Bai, the Legend of Surin, is unbound. We welcomed him to his new home today. He appeared uncertain, uncomfortable with his newfound freedom, and even too shy to go exploring on his own.