For over 80 years, an elephant named Grandma Somboon lived a life of hardship. Taken from the wild as a baby, she spent decades working tirelessly in the logging and tourism industries. Day after day, Somboon was forced to stand on her feet for hours, giving rides to tourists and enduring grueling labor when she should have been free to roam and rest. When the team at Save Elephant Foundation discovered her situation, they knew they had to intervene and give her the life she deserved. “It’s time for Grandma to be cared for…and allowed to rest,” the foundation shared on Facebook. “We’re on a rescue mission to protect Somboon and transport her to her final true home.”
In January, after decades of exploitation, Somboon’s life took a beautiful turn. The team successfully rescued her from the place where she had suffered for so long and brought her to Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary dedicated to caring for elephants in need. When she arrived, it was clear that years of labor had taken a toll on her body—she was emaciated, her teeth were deteriorating, and her skin was dry and cracked.
Yet despite her physical state, Somboon seemed to understand she was finally safe. The foundation explained, “Upon arrival, many new elephants, still plagued by paranoia and lack of trust, take weeks before they will lie down. However, Grandma Somboon defied the norm. Exhausted from her journey and a lifetime of hardship, she promptly sought the sand pile prepared for her, sleeping soundly amidst the bustling activities around her.”
For the first time in decades, Somboon could rest. After spending most of her life on her feet, the sanctuary’s soft sand offered her much-needed relief. When she awoke from her deep slumber, her tired body struggled to lift her back to her feet. Fortunately, her rescuers were there to help her stand again, and they’ve continued to watch over her closely ever since.
Now, Grandma Somboon is adjusting to her peaceful new home. While her recovery will take time, she’s already making progress. At Elephant Nature Park, she enjoys a nourishing diet, leisurely walks, and refreshing mud baths. For the first time in her life, Somboon gets to live as she was always meant to—free of burdens and surrounded by care.
Shockingly, this is not the first time she has faced animal cruelty charges; she has a past conviction for similar crimes. We must ensure that no more animals suffer or die in her care!
Her rescuers couldn’t be happier. Seeing Somboon take these first steps toward healing reminds them why their mission is so important. After a lifetime of hardship, Grandma Somboon is finally experiencing the love and rest she so greatly deserves. Click ‘play’ below to see Somboon’s full rescue story.
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