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.
Jahn Lek
Thai Name
English Name
Gender
Age
Features
Rescue Date
Prior Life
Likes / Dislikes
Jahn Lek
Little Moon
Female
49, As at 2024
Almond shaped eyes
24th October 2024
Logging and tourism
Likes fruit / Dislikes loud noises
Her life has been a testament to endurance, having endured years of gruelling work in logging, which eventually led to a severe hip injury leaving her unable to walk for a year. Here at Following Giants she shines as our own Little Moon, bringing a calm presence to those around her. The team and fellow elephants adore her for her kind and friendly spirit. Jahn Lek loves bonding with the other elephants, especially Mongkoln. Though she is calm and content, she tends to retreat for a l-o-n-g quiet walk when she hears the sound of an engine or any loud noises
Mongkoln
Thai Name
English Name
Gender
Age
Features
Rescue Date
Prior Life
Likes / Dislikes
Mongkoln (Peanut)
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 (Tiny)
Gold
Male
55, As at 2024
A hole in his right ear
22nd November 2024
Logging
Dao Rueng
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.
Somboon
Thai Name
English Name
Gender
Age
Features
Rescue Date
Prior Life
Likes / Dislikes
Somboon
Abundance
Female
65 - As at 2024
Freckles around neck
30 November 2024
Logging & tourism
Likes - Sago Palm
Dislikes - Cars, loud noises
At 65 years old, Somboon has finally found peace after a life filled with hardship. Her journey began in the logging industry where years of hauling heavy loads left her rear legs weakened and blinded her left eye. Later, she moved to a riding camp where carrying tourists proved equally gruelling for her fragile body. Her time at an elephant bathing camp brought her some relief, but she was forced to do activities that she did not enjoy, longing for the quiet and personal space she so deeply values. Now, Somboon is thriving in a peaceful retirement tailored to her needs. She spends her days roaming freely, enjoying the company of her trusted mahout, and savouring her favourite treat, Sago Palm. Though loud noises still unsettle her, Somboon finds happiness in the tranquility she has long deserved, A true symbol of resilience, she reminds us of the importance of compassion and care for all living beings.
