Somboon

Somboon or Boon spent a long time on the streets as a begging elephant. Because of exposure to lights from traffic, pollution, and city noise, her eyesight is bad and she has lost some of her hearing. Her rescue proceeded in stages over a few years, eventually landing her at the Elephant Nature Park. She was born in 1967.

In 2000 Somboon was saved from her life of street begging by a Dutch animal lover. Jolly, a businesswoman and owner of a guesthouse and restaurant brought Somboon to Cha-Am in southern Thailand. There she was cared for with the best intentions, and was certainly better off than on the streets.

In 2003, Jolly visited the park and saw how well the elephants were treated. At that time Somboon was sick, and didn’t really have adequate living space. She had developed a huge medical problem with her feet from standing in the mud all day. This actually caused her to loose a toenail to infection. A month after visiting, Jolly contacted Lek for help. August of 2003 Jolly transported Somboon to the park.

Somboon has 2 family groups she alternates with these days: her original group, Hope, Mae Perm and Jokia, and now Tong Jan’s family, with mom Mae Bua Tong, and auntie Thai. Tong Jan was at the park a month or 2 when Somboon suddenly realized what a sweet and beautiful little girl she was, and dumped Hope in one afternoon. She even refused to go to her normal sleeping spot. Now she divides her time between them, and also spends time alone each day.

She is a big boned, buxom beauty with small ears and chubby cheeks that make her look like she is smiling. She sometimes takes time accepting new elephants, but is very even tempered with people. She has made her place in the herd and enjoys life at the park.

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