cycle of poverty and abuse in which the elephants suffer
greatly — sometimes for 60+ years. Swaying back and
forth on their tight chains and slowly going insane.
Thankfully, though, Lek Chailert has dedicated her life
to rescuing, protecting, and preserving these elephants
in her native Thailand. Sangduen "Lek" Chailert's fam-
ily was gifted with a baby elephant named Tongkum, or
the Golden One, when Lek was a child. Her affection
for Tongkum grew into a deep concern and compassion
for elephants and she learned more and more about
their lives both in the wild and in captivity in her na-
tive country. In 1990 Lek created Elephant Nature Park,
and has since rescued more than 200 elephants, 30 of
which still reside in the park, many blind or crippled.
Finally they find peace and safety in the park's 250
acres in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Elephants aren't required
to serve or carry or perform for humans there; rather,
they gather together around the little ones, walk in the
grass, and roll in mud and water. Not only does she
rescue elephants but Lek is a strong believer in cultural
preservation. She provides a salary to the mahouts,
free housing for their families and schooling for their
children in exchange for keeping their elephants at the
park and free from chains and abuse. Park managers are
recruited locally to oversee the park's progress. Valuable
trade often happens within the community - another
way to support the elephants without exploiting them.
Lek trades elephant dung to farmers to use in partial
exchange for fresh fruit and vegetables to feed her
elephants and volunteers. Farmers avoid driving many
miles to the market to sell their wares and they are pro-
vided with nutrients for their soil as well as income for
their produce. By creating employment and purchasing
agricultural products locally Lek and her crew assist the
villagers in sustaining their distinct culture. .
Another ingenious business endeavor guided by mon-
etary constraints of a non-profit and the need to fur-
ther educate the public on elephants, are the volunteer
opportunities at Elephant Nature Park. Tourists who are
interested in elephants are able to purchase a night at
the elephant park or a week or more. Here they will tend
to the elephants by feeding them, walking with them in
their environment and washing them in the river. It's a
true hands on experience with the largest land animal
on earth. Volunteers stay in huts on the property, eat 3
large, vegan buffet style meals a day while overlooking
the herd, and interact and work alongside other volun-
teers assisting in the maintenance of the park. One of
the main chores, apart from elephant care, is the rain-
forest restoration project. More than 25 acres of moun-
tainside will be planted every year for the first five years,
this will ensure the ecological balance of plants and
animals at the park.
Lek has been lauded her for efforts by being chosen as
the Asian Hero of the Year by Time Magazine in 2005,
being recognized by National Geographic, featured in
several documentaries, and was even touted by Sec-
retary of State Hillary Clinton as one of Six Heroes of
Global Conservation.
Lek can be found most days where she belongs: in the
mud and grass, with the elephants.
What you can do to help Asian elephants:
Donate to the Save Elephant Foundation or
a specific project.
Take a vacation and serve: Visit Elephant
Nature Park, and if you're in Thailand, say an
emphatic no to elephant tourism.
Buy Taste of Heaven, a cookbook featuring
recipes and stories of the elephants at
the sanctuary. Proceeds benefit Elephant
Nature Park.
Never buy ivory.
A Journey With
4 Legs
Elephant
Whisperer
