For almost 30 years, Boon Dee was forced into back-breaking labor in the tourist camps of Pattaya, Thailand. The poor animal carried endless busloads of tourists on her aching back, day after painful day.
By the time she was rescued by our partner, Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT), Boon Dee was emaciated, nearly blind in her right eye, and her skin was marred by deep, painful abscesses that told the story of severe neglect.
After three decades of ruthless abuse, Boon Dee knew nothing but pain and terror.
The image on left shows the long-term damage of howdahs (saddles) and the weight of tourists on elephants’ spines. On the right, we see what their backs should look like. Credit: WFFT
Until she was saved, this tragic animal had not experienced an iota of kindness in nearly 30 years, and when she arrived at the sanctuary, she was terrified to leave the ‘safety’ of the transport truck. How could she believe she was finally safe?
Over 3,000 Asian elephants – much smaller than their African counterparts – live like prisoners in entertainment venues across Thailand. They are kept on short chains or ropes, and often have heavy chains around their necks.
Shockingly, their handlers use bull hooks to control them – cruel rods made of steel or bronze, with a sharp metal hook on the end. These are wielded to inflict pain and fear on the wild animals, beating them into submission.
As the team led Boon Dee by her chains to freedom, she resisted with all her might, no doubt expecting even more excruciating abuse.
Bull hooks inflict pain and fear on wild animals and beat them into submission. Credit: WFFT
Boon Dee took her first steps to freedom with great fear and anxiety – but then something miraculous happened.
During her first walk in her new sanctuary, she approached another rescued elephant named Gan Da. The team discovered they had worked together at a riding camp in Chiang Rai many years before, and immediately recognized her old friend.
After nearly 30 years of hard labor, there is only one thing Boon Dee dreams of: a safe and peaceful retirement.
This old girl enjoys her final years, in freedom but we need to help her get her own permanent enclosure. Credit: WFFT
As Boon Dee settled into her new home, she discovered something that she never had the chance to find out before – she loves to swim! As she settles into her well-earned retirement, a daily dip is her one non-negotiable requirement.
Sadly, due to years of trauma, Boon Dee is afraid of the other elephants, even her old friend Gan Da. Elephants are naturally social creatures, and her fear underscores the deep physical and psychological scars of her decades of maltreatment.
While this sweet girl gets two lovely, long “walks” a day with her carers, there is one thing she dreams of: A large enclosure with permanent access to her very own lake, so she can swim whenever her heart desires. Nothing brings this sweet elephant more joy than her daily swims, and with your help, we can build her the retirement home of her dreams.
We know you will agree that after decades of heartache and abuse, Boon Dee deserves every bit of happiness she can get.
Boon Dee now enjoys regular walks but needs her own permanent enclosure. Credit: WFFT
Your support today can make all the difference.
Please, give as generously as you can today, and help give Boon Dee the happy retirement she deserves.
