Meet Kabu, an elephant hailing from Thailand whose rescue in 2017 marked the end of a period of enduring abuse and substandard living conditions.

For over two decades, Kabu worked tirelessly in a mountain village, hauling logs across treacherous terrain. Despite suffering from a persistently injured leg, she endured this demanding labor, resulting in a lingering limp as her injury failed to heal properly. Astonishingly, her owner continued to ride on her back despite her condition.

Kabu’s tragic tale is further compounded by heart-wrenching details. According to Lek Chailert, founder of the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai and a pivotal figure in securing Kabu’s release, she experienced the heartbreak of losing her two offspring at a young age. One was sold to a tourist camp, while the other met a tragic fate during a brutal practice known as “training crush,” involving beating and confinement of young elephants in cages to domesticate them for labor.

In collaboration with a dedicated group of volunteers, Lek Chailert embarked on a journey to bring Kabu back to the Elephant Nature Park, a renowned sanctuary for mistreated elephants in Thailand. During the 12-hour truck ride to her new home, rescuers comforted Kabu with bananas and tamarinds, providing relief from the heat by showering her with water.

Thailand unfortunately abounds with stories of animal abuse, particularly in the exploitation of elephants for lucrative tourism. Lek Chailert highlights that rescued abused elephants often suffer from deep-seated mental issues, requiring years of care to overcome.

Upon her arrival at the park, Kabu displayed apprehension about entering her new surroundings. However, the warm and reassuring reception from other elephants swiftly helped her feel at ease.

For a more in-depth look at Kabu’s heartwarming journey and introduction to her new life at the sanctuary, check out the video below.