Elephant mother
More than a hundred years ago, according to Lek Chailert of the Save Elephant Foundation, there were hundreds of thousands of. Most of them also lived in the wild. Now there are fewer than 6,000 animals left. And most of that seems enslaved by the tourism industry.
With a hard hand, and often a vicious hook, they are prepared for human use.
Mafia practices, according to the Elephant Mother (56 min.) Lek, who also runs Elephant Nature Park with her Canadian husband Darrick Thomson. Around 65 'liberated' elephants stay there, who do not have to perform tightly directed tricks for tourists - although they are very welcome to come and see.
While worn worldwide by nature and wildlife organizations, hair is made all the more difficult in Thailand itself. Until 2020 global covid breaks out and the roles turn around. Visitors stay away and Thailand's tourism industry comes to a standstill. The old enemies who previously sabotaged Lek and her camp are now forced to knock on her door. Lek sees her chance and comes to the rescue. With international donations and local donations, she not only supports her own park, but also her neighbours. Elephant Nature Park
Founder Save Elephant Foundation and Elephant Nature Park
Saengduean Chailert, aka Lek, was born in Thailand in 1961. In exchange for saving a young man's life, her grandfather, a shaman or traditional healer, was given an elephant named Thong Kham, which means Golden. The bond that developed between Lek and Thong Kham led to love and respect for elephants that would shape her life.
