Meet Kabu, a majestic elephant hailing from Thailand. Her story is one of triumph over adversity and finally experiencing freedom after years of maltreatment. For more than twenty years, Kabu was subjected to grueling labor in a remote mountain village, hauling heavy logs across perilous terrain. Despite sustaining an injury to her leg, she was forced to continue working, causing her injury to worsen and leaving her with a permanent limp. Despite her disability, her owner still rode on her back, adding to her already considerable burden. But thankfully, Kabu’s rescue in 2017 brought an end to her sufferings, and she can now live the life she deserves.
Kabu’s tragic tale goes beyond what was previously mentioned. Lek Chailert, the founder of Chiang Mai’s Elephant Nature Park, played a vital role in securing Kabu’s release and revealed that Kabu endured the heartbreak of losing both of her young offspring. One of her babies was sold to a tourist camp, while the other met a tragic end during a cruel practice called “training crush.” This barbaric practice involves confining young elephants in cages, beating them, and subjecting them to domestication for labor purposes.
Together with a team of committed volunteers, Lek Chailert set out on a mission to bring Kabu back to the Elephant Nature Park in Thailand, a well-known sanctuary for elephants that have been mistreated. The journey back to her new home was a long 12-hour truck ride, during which the rescuers offered Kabu comfort by providing her with bananas and tamarinds, as well as showering her with water to ease the heat. Unfortunately, Thailand has a significant problem with animal abuse, particularly with regards to the exploitation of elephants for profit in the tourism industry. According to Lek Chailert, the rescued elephants often suffer from psychological issues that can take years of care to address.
As soon as Kabu reached the park, she seemed hesitant and anxious about exploring her new environment. But, the friendly and comforting greeting from other elephants quickly made her feel comfortable. You can check out the video below to witness Kabu’s touching journey and how she was welcomed into her new home at the sanctuary.
