‘There are so many old, lame, blind, and sick elephants who remain in the tourist service until death.’
Plenty of Facebook posts have been penned about animals abused and exploited in the tourist trade — dolphins, tigers, elephants, and donkeys, just to name a few.
And that has only encouraged more people to speak out against the abuse.
Lek Chailert, the founder of the Save Elephant Foundation and Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand, penned a powerful and gut-wrenching letter on Oct. 10 to deal a blow to our collective conscience.
She wrote about the desperate reality of the elephants’ lives, many of whom are lame, blind, old, and sick, and remain so in the tourist industry until death, as well as her own mission to save them.
The message was sparked by the rescue of an old elephant named Phong Sri, who had been carrying riders just three days prior to her emancipation.
One does not need to be an elephant expert to know that she is not in good shape.
Depending on its species, an elephant’s lifespan can range anywhere from 40 to more than 80 years old, in one exceptional case.
According to the Facebook post, Phong Sri was very weak during the rescue, and in a worse condition than they last saw her.
The team decided to take her to the hospital, a 12-hour drive away.
Phong Sri’s ride was cushioned with non-slip floors and padded buffer rails, and their vet provided fluid therapy and vitamin supplements.
One good thing, however, is that the elephant is eating.
The team has promised to do their best for her.
