Nam Phon was a 55-year-old Asian elephant who spent almost all her life in captivity. She was forced into giving elephant rides to the tourists. Nam Phon was born into the wild in the 1950s, but stolen from her family as a calf. Since then she was abused and forced to work, even she had to roam the streets begging for food.
Despite her harsh history, the old elephant spent her last months of life freely and peacefully at the WFFT (Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand) sanctuary. She was rescued twice by the elephant refuge. First, in 2004, when the owner agreed to give her up to the WFFT, and after 6 years he decided to take her back. She returned in March 2016 for good after many negotiations with her owner.
Unfortunately, Nam Phon’s hard life and age caught up with her, and she passed away earlier this month. She got a proper funeral organized by the sanctuary. Her body was covered in flowers and fruits.
Her rescuers left their beloved elephant with the sweetest message.
“After years of abuse at the hands of humans you are now free, old girl,” WFFT wrote. “You will be remembered as much a victim of the captive elephant industry, as you are a shining beacon of hope for the many other elephants still in need of help. She has left this world and moved to another — her spirit is now free.”
Even Nam Phon ended her life at peace, she will be remembered as a symbol of the struggles many captive Asian elephants undergo.
