For far too long, elephants have been treated as mere entertainment—paraded in front of crowds, forced to perform tricks, and used as photo props. This treatment is nothing short of heartbreaking. Thankfully, tides are turning, and awareness about elephant cruelty is steadily growing. More people are beginning to realize that these majestic animals deserve respect, compassion, and a life free from exploitation.
One story that powerfully illustrates both the tragedy and hope in this shift is that of Grandma Somboon, an elephant who endured a life of unimaginable hardship but is finally receiving the love and care she deserves. Her journey begins in pain, but now, it is one of healing and recovery.
Somboon was taken from the wild as a young calf—torn from her natural home and family. She was forced into a life of back-breaking labor, working for more than eight decades in both the logging and tourism industries in Thailand. Like so many other captive elephants, she was denied the ability to live naturally, instead used as a commodity for human amusement. She spent years being shuffled around to perform in circuses, beg for money on crowded city streets, and carry tourists on her back for hours on end.
Her suffering was normalized, day after day, year after year. Despite the severe toll it took on her body and spirit, she was never allowed a moment to rest. Somboon carried the weight of not only tourists but also a system built on the demand for elephant rides and performances. While it’s easy to blame those directly in control of these animals, we must also acknowledge the role that tourist demand plays in perpetuating such cruelty.
Fortunately, Somboon’s story took a dramatic turn when Save Elephant Foundation in Thailand learned about her tragic circumstances. The organization, known for its tireless work to protect and rescue elephants, acted swiftly. In January, they announced on Facebook that they were launching a mission to rescue Grandma Somboon and give her the peaceful retirement she had long been denied. “It’s time for Grandma to be cared for well and allowed to rest,” they shared.
After 87 long years of suffering, Somboon was finally rescued and brought to the Elephant Nature Park sanctuary. Though she was safe at last, her condition was extremely poor. She was thin, severely dehydrated, and visibly exhausted. One of her teeth was missing, her eyes were cloudy, and her skin was in rough shape. But what mattered most was that she was now in a place where she would be nurtured, not exploited.
It’s common for rescued elephants to be wary of their new environment. Many are so traumatized that it takes weeks before they even feel safe enough to lie down and sleep. But Somboon was different. The moment she arrived, completely drained from the long journey and a lifetime of suffering, she made her way to a soft pile of sand and fell into a deep, peaceful sleep—despite the activity happening around her.
This simple act of sleeping might not seem significant to us, but for elephants like Somboon, it is monumental. Elephants in captivity are often chained to concrete floors, making restful sleep nearly impossible, especially for elderly elephants whose joints are weak and in pain. That’s why, for Somboon, lying down on that soft sand symbolized freedom. For the first time in decades, she could rest without fear or pain.
Her caregivers even struggled to wake her because she slept so soundly—something she had likely not experienced in many, many years. Getting back on her feet after such a deep rest was a bit difficult for her, which is understandable considering her age and condition. But she managed it, slowly and steadily. The rescue team wasn’t sure how well she would adapt, but Somboon surprised everyone with her resilience and strength.
At Elephant Nature Park, every rescued elephant is treated with the utmost care and compassion. They are provided with nutritious food, clean water, and comfortable sand beds to sleep on. Somboon is no exception. Though she still requires plenty of support and close attention throughout the day, she is making remarkable progress. It’s clear she is beginning to understand that she’s finally safe.
To witness an elephant like Somboon finally experience peace is profoundly moving. She spent her entire life giving to humans—working endlessly without choice or rest. Now, for the first time, she is the one receiving care. She is free from the shackles that once bound her, free from the constant demands, and free to simply be.
Somboon’s story serves as a powerful reminder of how much suffering can exist behind the curtain of animal tourism. Her life is a testament to the resilience of elephants, their ability to endure, and, most importantly, their capacity for healing when given the chance. As she continues her recovery, she also becomes a symbol of hope for other elephants still trapped in the system.
Her peaceful days at the sanctuary are a result of tireless advocacy and compassionate people willing to make a difference. It is because of organizations like Save Elephant Foundation that elephants like Somboon get to live out their final years in dignity. These rescues don’t just change the lives of the animals—they inspire change in all of us. They remind us to look more closely, to question what we’re supporting, and to choose kindness over cruelty.
Somboon’s journey isn’t over yet, but every day she grows stronger. With each gentle touch from a caregiver, each nourishing meal, and each quiet moment of rest, she reclaims a little more of the life that was taken from her. Her spirit is unbroken, and her presence is a beautiful testament to what’s possible when compassion wins.
To learn more about Save Elephant Foundation and support their ongoing efforts to rescue and rehabilitate elephants like Grandma Somboon, visit their official website or follow them on social media. These incredible animals deserve a future where they are respected, protected, and allowed to simply live
