The bond between humans and Asian elephants is deeply touching, exemplified by a recent video featuring three elephants—ThongAe, FaaMai, and Jenny—and their caretaker, Saengduean Chailert, affectionately known as Lek.
Lek, a renowned conservationist, founded an elephant sanctuary in the Mae Taeng Valley near Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand.
If you don’t want to read the full story,
Jump to Watch Video
This sanctuary is home to over 100 elephants, offering them a natural environment where they can live freely without being forced to perform tricks or give rides. In the viral video, Lek encourages ThongAe, FaaMai, and Jenny to climb a pile of debris left by flooding in the park.
The elephants eagerly follow her lead, demonstrating their strong trust and bond with Lek. As she plays on the debris pile, she lovingly showers them, highlighting their mutual affection.
When Lek steps away to attend to other tasks, the elephants pause, clearly missing her presence. As she moves out of sight, they emit soft trumpets, seemingly calling out to her, and appear anxious, looking in her direction.
Seeing these majestic creatures effortlessly navigating the debris pile is truly inspiring. They see Lek as part of their family and instinctively protect her, much like loyal pets.
Lek’s sanctuary isn’t just a refuge for elephants. She has also rescued over 700 dogs, 1,600 cats, 130 cows, 100 buffaloes, and many other animals.
Watch the video below:
Read more Elephant News.