Get to know these
GENTLE GIANTS
KRABI
Lao Thong Chaba
Thai Name
English Name
Gender
Age
Features
Rescue Date
Prior Life
Likes / Dislikes
Lao Thong Chaba
Golden Spear
Female
41, As at 2023
Short back legs
25th December 2023
Tourism and logging
Loves food
Lao Thong Chaba’s life has been marked by hardship. Working in the tourism industry before being forced to haul heavy logs. This gruelling work has taken its toll on her body, the constant pressure on her underdeveloped legs likely caused her immense pain. Poor nutrition has caused damage to her teeth, resulting in an inability to chew her food adequately. Her mahout supports her with this, spending hours grinding food supplements each day. She is now free to enjoy a new life but the transition hasn’t been easy. Chaba struggles with trust and she has found it difficult to bond with the herd, but we hope her mahout will give her the confidence to find friendship.
Thong Aek
Thai Name
English Name
Gender
Age
Features
Rescue Date
Prior Life
Likes / Dislikes
Thong Aek
The best
Male
46, As at 2024
Short tusks & broken spine
24th February 2024
Riding and logging
Likes his mahout
Thong Aek’s life has been a struggle, he arrived at the sanctuary with harsh evidence of his past. His tusks were cut short, a reminder of the ivory trade, and a nasty abscess on his front right leg, a painful consequence of an injury working in the logging industry. He has visual and mental scars from his time as a riding elephant, like many elephants, Thong Aek suffered a broken vertebra from the constant weight and pressure on his backbones. This injury may continue to cause discomfort, but with our care, we hope he will live a full and happy life.
Dao Rueng
Thai Name
English Name
Gender
Age
Features
Rescue Date
Prior Life
Likes / Dislikes
Dao Rueng
Marigold
Female
28, As at 2024
Slim and Tall
4th May 2024
Riding and entertaining
Likes fruits / Dislikes Lound noise
Introducing Dao Rueng, a gentle soul from Surin, whose journey reflects both resilience and grace. She once worked tirelessly in an elephant riding camp until her back began to ache, leaving her visibly agitated by any weight upon it. Transitioning to a role as a parade show elephant only compounded her distress, as loud noises triggered her fear and discomfort amidst the festive atmosphere. Thankfully, Dao Rueng's story takes a turn for the better as she finds her new home. Here, she is cared for and has her freedom of choice, allowing her to retire early and embrace a life of tranquility. Now, liberated from the demands of her past, Dao Rueng's daily routine revolves around being herself and indulging in the activities that bring her genuine happiness.
Wan Mai
Thai Name
English Name
Gender
Age
Features
Rescue Date
Prior Life
Likes / Dislikes
Wan Mai
New Day
Female
45, As at 2024
Light colour, Torn earlobe
7th May 2024
Riding
Likes Banana / Dislikes Being Surrounded
Wan Mai was rescued from the depths of despair to a new life of hope and healing. For over ten years, she endured the brutal conditions of the elephant riding industry, leaving her with permanent back damage and mental scars which was a reason she turned to be on edge due to her pain. Her traumatic past has left her fearful of people, especially when surrounded. Now at our sanctuary, Wan Mai enjoys the freedom to choose her daily activities, though trust issues remain. Her new dedicated mahout works tirelessly to rebuild her confidence and trust in humans.Recently introduced to our herd, Wan Mai was warmly welcomed and is learning to live harmoniously with them. Each day, she embraces her new life, finding peace and happiness in her sanctuary home with new friends
Mongkoln
Thai Name
English Name
Gender
Age
Features
Rescue Date
Prior Life
Likes / Dislikes
Mongkoln
Blessing
Male
7, As at 2024
small & hairy
1st June 2024
Tourism
Likes Sugarcane, swimming / Dislikes So far, none
Mongkoln has a story etched in his young heart. Separated from his mother far too young, he endured the brutal training known as “The Crush” to become a show elephant. His open wounds are healing, but the scars run deeper.
His rescue was a story of hope, a collaboration between dedicated organizations. A new sanctuary awaited him, but a month before our doors opened, those plans fell through. With 80 acres of lush land waiting to be explored, we knew this was to be his home.
On June 1st, after a stressful 16-hour journey, Mongkoln arrived. But a beautiful twist of fate awaited him. He bonded instantly with an older female elephant, Dao Rueng. Their paths had crossed briefly at a previous elephant camp and their connection is undeniable. Her maternal instincts shine brightly, offering Mongkoln the comfort and love he desperately needs.
Here, surrounded by love and with endless space to roam, Mongkoln can finally begin to heal.
Thong
Thai Name
English Name
Gender
Age
Features
Rescue Date
Prior Life
Likes / Dislikes
Thong
Gold
Male
55, As at 2024
A hole in his right ear
22nd November 2024
Logging
To be discovered soon!
At 55 years old, Thong is starting a new chapter after a lifetime in the logging industry. Having spent years hauling heavy loads, he never had the chance to experience the company of other elephants. This isolation has left Thong socially awkward, unsure of how to connect with others. Thong values his privacy and enjoys quiet moments where he can feel safe and secure. Adjusting to his new surroundings will take time, but with patient care and gentle encouragement, we hope to see him grow and develop confidence. Thong’s rescue marks the second in a collaborative effort with other organizations dedicated to elephant welfare. Here at Following Giants, he will finally have the chance to explore his environment at his own pace and discover the peace he deserves. Thong is a reminder that every elephant deserves a chance to thrive, no matter where their journey begins.
