Every animal deserves an opportunity to live in an environment where they are healthy and happy. Unfortunately, some animals are kept in captivity for all the wrong reasons.
This includes a giant bull elephant, Thong Bai. Being from Thailand, elephants are highly regarded and Thong Bai is legendary as far as bull elephants are concerned.
For over 40 years, Thong Bai was kept in captivity to entertain tourists. According to Lek Chailert, the founder of The Elephant Sanctuary: “More than forty years he has served people, and he deserves his freedom.”
That sanctuary advocates for the safety of elephants and for freeing them from captivity. Lek Chailert often informs the public about elephants that are kept in captivity on his Facebook page.
After spending many years in captivity, Thong Bai has been freed. He was used for many advertisements and was privately owned. You often see them performing at weddings or in films and beer ads.
At this time, Thong Bai is being cared for in Surin province. After seeing the elephant in his former life, along with how majestic he was, it was decided that he should be freed.
Khun NuNa Silpa-archa, who was brought as a guest to the region to see the elephant worked hard to ensure that his chains were released. It took a year but they were successful.
Eventually, the owner agreed to allow the elephant to roam freely in an enclosure. It would be part of the Surin Project, which is in place to improve the living conditions for work elephants.
Thong Bai is living in a shelter that was built by the community and prepared to be released in the area. The Surin government cared for the land and the Thai Beverage company funded the construction.
At this point, the giant bull elephant has a home where he can roam around safely and freely. He isn’t forced to work any longer and he is free of his former chains. There is plenty of mud and shade inside the enclosure to provide him with comfort.
Lek wrote: “The day that everyone longed for has finally arrived. Over four decades of shackles and at last release. Thong Bai, the Legend of Surin, is free from his chains. We welcomed him to his new home today. He appeared uncertain and nervous of his new freedom and even shy to explore without being told what to do.”