There was a time when Khun Pan, the 50-year-old elephant at Chang Siam Park in eastern Thailand, was the epitome of pride. Strong and docile, he carried tourists across lush trails on his broad back. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, everything changed. The park gates closed, and with the crowds gone, Khun Pan began to fade.
No visitors meant no income. The park owners struggled to feed the livestock. Day by day, Khun Pan’s meals dwindled until they almost stopped. His massive frame wasted away; his ribs were showing, his skin sagged. The proud elephant who had served tourists for decades was now too weak to stand. His body was covered in painful sores from lying for hours on the hard ground.
This is “THE PANDEMIC CRIME” – a personal tragedy that exposed the sheer vulnerability of elephant lives within the exploitative tourism industry. We remember them for profit, and when profit disappears, they are left to their fate.
Fortunately, when concerned locals raised the alarm, Khun Pan was rushed to rescue by vets from the nearby Pattaya Veterinary Hospital. They wrapped thick ropes around his weak body to pull him to his feet, administered saline solution, and cleaned his wounds. Compassion triumphed over despair as locals quickly began bringing truckloads of food.
Khun Pan’s survival is proof of what kindness can still deliver. But this story must serve as a stark warning.
COMMIT to supporting TRUE elephant sanctuaries! Stop supporting parks that exploit elephants for entertainment. Instead, advocate for sanctuaries where these magnificent creatures can live safely, freely, and without oppression. Their lives should never again depend on the whims of the tourist market.
