Jaden (Thong Poon) rescue story.
Thong Poon is the old female elephant, lived at Surin Province. She has 1 eye blind (left eye) and injury at her leg.
Our founder Lek Chailert, met Thong Poon many years ago while she was working as the elephant riding in Phattaya. At that time her owner still not have any idea to let us rescue his elephant. No longer after that, he contacted Lek to rescue Thong Poon but we already have over 100 elephants under our care. It was very difficult for us to refuse to help the poor lady but the budget to rescue elephants, the cost to take care new elephants and the cost to build new chain free shelter are beyond our ability. Luckily, we were contacted by Julie Ardell Scrivener back in January – a Mother in mourning looking for a way to honor her 16 year old daughter Jaden, who was taken from the world too soon. Jaden was described as a young woman living a life with purpose. Volunteering with animals was a deep passion of hers, elephants and their plight was her true focus. Julie found Jaden’s bucket list after she had passed away and it was her dream to rescue one someday. Now, Jaden’s dream became a reality as her friends and family came together raising the funds to rescue Thong Poon to Elephant Nature Park.
In honor of Jaden and to keep her in our memories, we named Thong Poon as “Jaden “.
Jaden now started the new life living free from abuse and in peace at her new home. While she was on the truck, our vet gave her the medicine to relive the pain at her leg because it takes long hours to arrive Elephant Nature Park.
Jaden remains reticent to leave the security of her shelter. She is content at the moment with what life offers her there, and so we will give her more time to adjust to her new surroundings. In addition, she has injuries on both of her front feet which have been tended by our vet team but still require a close inspection early this week. Sore feet make her less inclined to walking out on a hot day, preferring the shade under the roof. We are observing her mental and physical status, and giving her some space. Within reason, this is on her time. When so inclined, we will take Jaden for a walk around the park so that she will adjust and recognize her new home.
