Thailand's elephant whisperer rescues the injured
There are currently fewer than 3,000 elephants living in the forests of Thailand, compared to 4,000 in captivity. Those in captivity often undergo severe trauma in the logging or tourism industries.
Sangduen "Lek" Chailert is committed to changing that -- she founded Elephant Nature Park, an elephant rescue and rehabilitation center in Northern Thailand.
The park encourages tourists and volunteers to feed, bathe and walk side by side with world's largest land animal.
Sangduen "Lek" Chailert
Sangduen "Lek" Chailert is the founder of Save Elephant Foundation, and its Elephant Nature Park. Chailert has devoted her life to the conservation of this endangered species. Since 1996, she has rescued 200 distressed elephants in Thailand and neighboring countries.
"To see them, freedom is beautiful," said Chailert.
Lek
Chailert began advocating for elephants after hearing the cries of a wounded elephant being forced to haul logs in the jungle.
"He was very exhausted, and I looked at his eyes and he expressed he was angry," she said. "When I came back from that jungle that voice followed in my head, those eyes in my mind."
The Elephant Whisperer
Chailert's affection for the herd is special and her ability to connect with them has earned her the title of Thailand's "Elephant Whisper."
"I never think 'Elephant is an animal.' I think they are a person, so that is why when I talk to them I treat them like my family," said Chailert. "Even if we speak a different language. We understand each other."
Saza before
Saza, pictured here on her first day at Elephant Nature Park, spent most of her life working in the logging industry.
After the logging ban in 1989, Saza was used to give rides to tourists. When she was rescued, she was gaunt and her teeth were completely worn out, making it impossible for her to absorb any nutrition.
Saza after
Since her arrival at the sanctuary on February 2nd, 2015, Saza was given a special diet and has gained weight. She is strong and healthy, and enjoys playing in the mud pit.
Faa Sai before
In 2007, Chailert rescued Faa Sai, pictured above, from a circus. The elephant was taken away from her mother at a very young age and had endured several years of cruel training.
"When she first arrived here she had both legs on shackles. You can see the chain cut deep in her leg," described Chailert.
"She was very aggressive, very angry."
Faa Sai after
Faa Sai, which means "clear sky after a storm," is now a happy and confident young female elephant.
"We have to heal them with love," said Chailert. "We have to let nature rehab them. We have to make them feel that this is a safe place for them. Trust is the first thing that we have to go and do."
Pornsawan before
Pornsawan arrived at Elephant Nature Park in 2014. She was rescued from the illegal logging industry, where she suffered severe trauma and a devastating injury.
Pornsawan before
In 2011, Pornsawan had finished her day's work moving logs and was in the forest looking for food when she stepped on a landmine.
She was working in a very remote area, and it was days before she was transported to a hospital for care.
Pornsawan after
Pornsawan spent three years at Thailand's Elephant Conservation Center recovering before she was transported to Elephant Nature Park.
Pornsawan after
Pornsawan is now happy and healthy. She has taken a young elephant named Yindee under her wing, and is fiercely protective.
She gets around just fine, despite her injury, and gets along well with her herd.
Save Elephant Foundation
"When I first find elephants, each of them blind, limp, handicapped -- it's very sad," said Chailert.
"But when one day they start rolling in the mud, they start to enjoy trumpeting, swimming on the river -- that is the day I have a tear. I have a tear of joy."