Friday Flashback 22 December 2023: Dao Tong the Golden Star of Elephant Nature Park

Fri 22 Dec 23
News from Elephant Nature Park

Meet Dao Tong, a resilient soul with a golden spirit, born around 1975. She was rescued from street begging in Surin Province and joined us at Elephant Nature Park in November 2012.

Save Elephant Foundation were initially alerted to the horrific plight of Dao Tong by Matt Rousu and Chantelle Ridley (Ride Bikes not Elephants project) and they were instrumental in raising funds to facilitate the release and rescue of this beautiful soul to Elephant Nature Park Sanctuary.

Before her rescue, Dao Tong endured the hardships of working in illegal logging, eventually resulting in a broken back right leg. Unable to continue hauling logs, she was forced to earn a living begging on the streets led by her mahout. Chained in a rice paddy field during the day and facing the hard surfaces, bright lights, and noise of the streets at night with her injured leg, Dao Tong’s life was unnatural and joyless.

Upon arrival, Dao Tong was warmly embraced by Mintra, and in time found a best friend in Noi Nah. Sadly, Noi Nah passed away early this year, and Dao Tong has yet to embrace a new friendship, preferring a reclusive life, centered around time spent in the mud pit and river.

Despite her disability, Dao Tong finds joy in every day. She hasn’t opened her heart to a new elephant family, but in the loving and caring environment of her home, she feels secure and content. Your support makes stories like hers possible, ensuring Dao Tong and others receive the love they deserve, free from exploitation.

Grandma SomBoon gets all the help she needs

Over 70% of elephants at Elephant Nature Park are elderly individuals who have been forced to commit their lives to hard work. In their old age, these elephants face challenges in walking, eating, and sleeping.

Tue 27 Feb 24

Namthip is receiving medical attention at Elephant Nature Park

Although NamThip is finally in her new sanctuary home, her health issues are quite pronounced. Our veterinary team promptly conducted further detailed health checks on her, including additional blood tests, stool sampling, and urine checks. Today, we also conducted an X-ray of her left hind leg, which seems to be problematic for her.

Sun 25 Feb 24

Namthip settles into the sanctuary of Elephant Nature Park

After a long journey in excess of 24 hours, with a soft sand bed ready, Namthip was able to sleep for possibly the first instance in her life, without chains on her legs. Sleeping freely, with no rope around her neck and no one stood over her giving orders, holding a hook, or making threats.

Sat 24 Feb 24

Save Elephant Foundation Rescue: NamThip coming to Elephant Nature Park soon

NamThip’s physical and mental state has deeply saddened elephant enthusiasts. After several days of effort, we successfully convinced the owner to release her.

Fri 16 Feb 24

Somboon’s journey to the sanctuary of Elephant Nature Park

At the age of 87+, today marks the day we rescue her from the elephant camp where she still works tirelessly. Despite her frail physical condition—thin, with just ribs remaining, dry skin, hazy eyes, and lost teeth—she deserves a chance at freedom and a better quality of life.

Tue 30 Jan 24

Celebrating MaiThai’s 3rd Anniversary of her rescue into the sanctuary of Elephant Nature Park

After more than 48 years working at a Trekking Camp in the busy tourist area of Phuket, MaiThai found sanctuary at Elephant Nature Park 3 years ago today. Although still recovering from the recent loss of her best friend Duddao, MaiThai's zest for life remains undiminished.

Mon 15 Jan 24

Thank you for helping Save Elephant Foundation throughout 2023

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all supporters of Save Elephant Foundation, who have played a crucial role in enabling the rescue of many elephants throughout 2023, providing them a haven in the sanctuary of Elephant Nature Park

Sun 31 Dec 23

Love has worked miracles for Fhandee

When Grandma FhanDee was first rescued in July 2023, she was extremely frail, and her blindness severely impacted her confidence in daily life. We learned that she was also deaf. That presented some challenges unknown before.

Fri 29 Dec 23

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