Som-Boon (62 years old)
Somboon is one of the oldest elephants at Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary. Before she arrived at the sanctuary, she had endured a long and challenging life. For years, Somboon worked as a trekking elephant, carrying tourists on her back daily. The constant burden took a toll on her body, leaving her physically exhausted and with weakened joints. Somboon has been without tusks for many years, but her spirit remains strong. Since joining the sanctuary, she’s been receiving the care and attention she deserves. Despite her past hardships, Somboon has a calm and gentle demeanor, and she enjoys walking slowly through the forest, savoring her newfound freedom.
Characteristics:
- Loves to bathe in water and mud
- Prefers soft fruits like watermelons and ripe papayas
- Dislikes loud noises and sudden movements
- Likes to be in open spaces and enjoys the warmth of the sun
Boon-Song (65 years old)
Boonsong, one of the oldest residents at Khaolak Elephant Sanctuary, has seen her fair share of tough times. She spent decades in the logging industry, hauling heavy timber across difficult terrain. When her body could no longer handle the intense labor, she was sold to an elephant camp where she worked as a tourist attraction, giving rides to visitors daily. This grueling work left Boonsong frail and underweight. Today, at the sanctuary, she receives supplemental food to ensure she maintains her health. Though her body bears the marks of a hard life, Boonsong enjoys her peaceful days roaming the sanctuary’s vast lands and playing in the mud.
Characteristics:
- Loves to eat fresh sugarcane and bamboo shoots
- Prefers to stay close to the other elephants, as she feels more secure in a group
- Dislikes being touched on her legs, likely due to past injuries
- Enjoys wandering through the forest, especially in the morning hours
Darlie (44 years old)
Darlie, despite her relatively younger age compared to other elephants in the sanctuary, has also experienced her share of suffering. She spent her early years performing in a circus where she was taught to do tricks and entertain crowds. The repetitive and unnatural movements caused strain on her joints, leaving her in constant discomfort. When Darlie arrived at the sanctuary, she was hesitant around people and other elephants, but she has since blossomed in her new environment. Now, she enjoys the company of the other elephants and has found peace in her new home.
Characteristics:
- Loves rolling in the mud to cool off, especially after a long walk
- Enjoys snacking on ripe mangoes and sweet corn
- Dislikes being crowded or confined; she prefers open spaces
- Has a habit of kicking dirt over herself when she’s resting
Chom-pu (46 years old)
Chompu is a strong and determined elephant who has overcome many obstacles in her life. Before arriving at the sanctuary, she worked in an elephant trekking camp where she was forced to carry tourists on her back. The years of overwork left her with back issues and a weakened frame. Chompu now enjoys the sanctuary’s peaceful environment, where she no longer has to endure the physical strain that once defined her life. Although her body shows signs of her hard past, her spirit remains resilient. She loves exploring the forest and splashing in the river with the other elephants.
Characteristics:
- Loves to eat bananas and coconuts
- Enjoys the company of younger elephants and likes to lead the way on forest walks
- Dislikes rainy days and often seeks shelter when it rains
- Has a habit of flapping her ears when she’s content
Siri-Phorn (32 years old)
Siri-Phorn, born in 1992, is a southern Thai elephant originally from Phatthalung province. Her early life was spent in hard labor, working in the logging industry. After being sold to a new owner, she was used for commercial purposes such as elephant riding and hauling rubberwood logs. Unfortunately, her working conditions became harsher, as her former owner forced her to work long hours in exchange for money.
Upon hearing of her situation, we were able to rescue Siri-Phorn and bring her to a safe environment free from exploitation on September 23, 2024. Although Siri-Phorn tends to be slightly cautious and wary of people—likely due to her past of being forced to work—she is now in a much better and more peaceful environment. She has a striking appearance with beautifully long tusks on both sides and a noticeable scar on her hind leg, a reminder of her past, caused by chains rubbing against her leg during her logging days.
Characteristics:
- Cautious and wary, especially around new people
- Loves eating sugarcane and ripe papayas
- Dislikes loud noises and prefers quiet environments
- Enjoys walking along the sanctuary’s trails, though she tends to keep her distance from large groups
Som-Paan (37 years old)
Som-Paan was born in 1987 and hails from Tak province in Northern Thailand. She started her life in the logging industry, where her owner used her to haul timber through difficult terrain. Later, Som-Paan was sold to a new owner in Phang Nga province in the south, where she was forced to work in commercial labor, such as elephant riding and hauling wood for rubber plantations. Over the years, Som-Paan began to experience frequent periods of musth, which are believed to have been triggered by improper care, mistreatment, or excessive labor.
Her history of abuse has left her with some noticeable traits: Som-Paan has small eyes, and her body often trembles slightly. She also bears scars on her head, likely a result of the harsh treatment she endured during her years of forced labor. Thankfully, on September 23, 2024, we were able to rescue her from her abusive conditions and bring her to a sanctuary where she now receives proper care and attention.
Characteristics:
- Frequently enters musth, likely due to past trauma and mistreatment
- Loves eating fresh pineapples and sugarcane
- Dislikes being approached from behind and prefers space to herself
- Bears scars on her head, a reminder of her difficult past