For over eighty years, Grandma Somboon endured a life of relentless toil, torn from the wild as a baby and subjected to grueling labor in both the logging and tourism industries.
Instead of charting her course, she spent her days tirelessly guiding tourists, sacrificing her well-being for the sake of others.
Moved by Somboon’s heartbreaking story, the Save Elephant Foundation swiftly took action, pledging to provide her with the care she desperately needed and the chance to find peace finally.
Their dedication to her cause was evident as they vowed on Facebook, “We are fully committed to ensuring Grandma receives the necessary care and the opportunity to find rest finally. We aim to rescue Somboon and relocate her to her rightful and permanent home.”
In late January, Somboon was liberated from her years of servitude and transported to the Elephant Nature Park sanctuary.
Upon arrival, she exhibited signs of severe malnutrition, with missing teeth and dehydrated, scaly skin. Despite her physical ailments, she seemed to understand she was now in a haven.
Typically, it takes weeks for newly arrived elephants at the sanctuary to build enough trust to lie down and rest. However, Grandma Somboon exceeded all expectations.
Exhausted from her journey and a lifetime of hardship, she immediately sought out the sand pile prepared for her and fell into a deep, undisturbed sleep.
Throughout her life, Somboon had been forced to endure standing, so arriving at a place where she felt cared for brought her immense joy as she finally found solace for her weary body.
Upon waking from her much-needed slumber, Somboon found herself unable to stand alone. Thankfully, her rescuers quickly came to her aid, assisting her to her feet and closely monitoring her condition after that.
Grandma Somboon is making remarkable progress in adjusting to her new sanctuary home. While her healing journey will be arduous after enduring so much hardship, she is making positive strides.
She relishes nourishing meals strolls, and indulges in plenty of mud baths. Finally, she embraces the life she was destined for, and her rescuers are delighted to have granted her long-awaited dream.
