Awestruck. That’s the best way to describe how wild animals can make us feel.
There’s this reverence for them that simply fills us with awe. No matter how big or dangerous they seem, these majestic creatures hold immense power.
However, some people abuse wildlife.
We’ve heard of poaching and killing of wild animals and selling their meat, hide or skin in the black market. Others use these wild animals as entertainment.
Animals used for entertainment generally live in the worst conditions possible.
They are often caged with little room to move around. It’s also unlikely that they get the proper diet and nutrition, especially considering how bad their health seems when they are rescued.
That’s what happened to one elephant named Ploy Tong.
Thailand is a country that is home to many elephants. Sadly, unfortunately, most of them are used for tourism and public entertainment. The elephants used to carry camps of tourists are some of the most mistreated around – and unfortunately, that’s what Ploy Tong was used for.
Ploy Tong was used to give tourists rides on her back and was already in poor condition.
She was blind in one eye and had deteriorating vision in the other. Volunteers of Save Elephant Foundation did the best they could to take her out of her miserable situation.
They loaded Ploy Tong onto the truck and brought her to The Elephant Nature Park.
It was a long journey, but they were determined to bring the poor elephant back to her natural habitat to rehabilitate her and ensure she got the care she needed after being poorly treated.
When they arrived, Ploy Tong was hesitant and distrusting.
She walked hesitantly and gave out low vibrations to signal her arrival. The other elephants in the nature park moved towards the sound.
Then, Ploy Tong received the most heartwarming welcome from all of them.
The other elephants used their trunks to touch and sniff her with the utmost compassion. It was like they were hugging her and telling her she was finally home.
Faa Mai was the elephant who gave Ploy Tong the warmest welcome.
She took her around for a walk, leading her around and making sure she was following right behind. Occasionally, she would ‘look back’ and sniff Ploy Tong to signal which way to go.
After some time, Ploy Tong got used to her new home.
The roles had reversed and it was now her time to welcome other elephants to the sanctuary.
Save Elephant Foundation continued to post video clips of Ploy Tong being playful with other elephants, especially around mud baths. You can see how she adapted and embraced her new life.
Ploy Tong’s experience is proof that elephants deserve just as much love and respect as other animals.
In this world, humans and animals can co-exist and pay mutual respect – but, as humans, it is our responsibility to care for these majestic creatures and to make sure they live the life they deserve.
Watch how the elephants welcomed Ploy Tong in the video below!
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