Flashback Friday:ThongAe
Below is a post originally posted by our founder Saengduean Lek Chailert to Save Elephant Foundation Facebook page 17 April 2019
To all friends,
I would like to update you about Thong Ae. We finally got a positive answer from Thong Ae’s owner. We invited them to visit to observe ThongAe’s fortunate place within family, connecting with a strong bond to her nannies and others here at ENP. It would be a terrible disruption in everyone’s life, breaking her heart and those who love her forever.
The proof was evident, and the owner realised that it is not about us, but what Thong Ae needs – family, and the life of an elephant.
I would like to thank the owner of Thong Ae to allow the girl to stay forever with her growing herd. Thong Ae holds a life so precious. Her feelings are not so far from our own, and sometimes more pure. She belongs to the herd. She is not someone’s property who can be taken away from her friends and her home. Thank you for understanding this very basic concept, to allow her to be among those who love her best.
Although we have already had some initial help toward her remaining with us, from this day, we will begin to sell our paintings to help fund a free life for Thong Ae. We have one year to raise the fund to keep her with her family. Thank you for your support.
Here is a memory from Darrick about ThongAe with a cute scene shot by Darrick back in 2018
ThongAe came to the Park literally by accident, a tragic one. She was at one of our Saddle-Off projects called Sunshine for Elephants a few kilometers up river. They led a lovely mountain walk with day guests quite high up and in some places steep.
One of the elephants during rainy season, a 30+ year old female who was pregnant, slipped, slid down the mountain, and off a 15m cliff, breaking her back. The next day, three of the project elephants were brought to the Park for safety – KhunYai, Jenny, and ThongAe.
This short video was taken a few months after arrival in the Park, playing with her new friend, DokGeaw (who also had recently arrived in the Park), and, at that time, Nanny Ploythong đ.
How adorable !
There have been a few realignment of friendships since then. But, for all involved, there was never a regrettable moment in the care of the young. ThongAe, of course, always loved by all who met her â¤ď¸ and now embraced deeply within a caring extended family.
