Working for an animal rescue organization is a difficult job since you have to witness a lot of animals in sad situations. But you also get to help ease animals’ suffering, and you get to experience pure joy when they finally escape a life of suffering.
The rescue of 73-year-old elephant Sook Jai is the perfect example of this.
After many years of working hard and being mistreated, Sook Jai was no longer able to keep up.
During her life in captivity, she was passed around to different owners for various jobs. The elephant had been forced to work in tourist trekking and street begging, but her health started to deteriorate as she got older. She became blind and lost most of her hearing.
Fortunately, the good people at Elephant Nature Park learned of Sook Jai’s situation and stepped in to give her a new home at their sanctuary.
The rescue center (which is connected to the Save Elephant Foundation) is located in Thailand. Sook Jai would finally have all the beautiful days she deserved.
In the video description they share:
“Sook Jai had the good fortune of being found by a caring soul who wanted to help to change her life. She was twice lucky when Joan Baez chose to help sponsor SookJai to living free from cruelty for the rest of her life.”
Once everything was in order, a group of people traveled to pick up Sook Jai. They were prepared to make a 20-hour journey back to the sanctuary.
The 73-year-old elephant wasn’t in a healthy condition when they first got her into their custody.
Many wounds were found on her head and body from the abuse she’d endured.
During the long ride, the rescuers worked to help care for SookJai and keep her comfortable.
Although they could tell that the poor creature was hungry, she refused to eat. She was tired, exhausted, and unaware of what type of life was just around the corner.
They were like her angels on earth. Elephant Nature Park’s team warmed the truck when it was cold, and cooled the elephant down when it was hot.
Likely, Sook Jai wasn’t used to being treated with such kindness.
At one point during the journey, an emotional moment was captured on film. Sook Jai began to cry. In the video, the elephant can be seen with actual tears rolling down her face.
It’s a sight that’s pulling on heartstrings.
One viewer wrote:
“I cried the moment I saw she cried and waving her trunk. She knows she’s free now. Please save and rescue more and more elephants, together we can do it!”
Sook Jai was finally in her loving forever home.
Near the end of the video, the truck pulls up to the sanctuary after their long trip. Although the blind elephant can’t actually see her new home – she soon discovers what a life of peace is all about.
They end the video saying…
“Her life will be without any restraints. She will remain free, as she deserves.”
This rescue story is so beautiful and heartwarming. If you enjoyed it, check out the other videos on elephantnews‘ page.
Check out Sook Jai’s touching story below!
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