Since 1989 when the government banned commercial logging in Thailand, more than half, of the total number, of elephants, is used for tourism purposes. It is no secret that thousands of tourists travel to Thailand every year just to see elephants, tourists from all over the world can ride elephants or watch them do tricks for between $20 and $150.

But there is the other side of the coin too. In these elephant camps, often conditions are not good animals are chained in small kennels, they are put through a lot of stress, and due to pandemics, things are getting even worse.

The crisis has affected elephant tourism as well. In elephant camps that use elephants for trekking, bathing, and riding tours, a lack of tourism revenue and relentless food costs hit really hard.

On August 8th, 2021, the founder of the Elephant Nature Park (ENP), Lek Chailert, was contacted by the local elephant camp owner, who was not able to take care of the elephants in his camp, so he decided to let some of them go. Volunteers from the Elephant Nature Park gladly responded to the rescue call, and the whole mission started.

Despite the massive effort, these dedicated people rescued 2 elephants, mom BunMa, and the baby elephant Chaba. Baby Chaba was born in captivity in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and that was the only terrain she knew.

It was obvious that the mother was under a lot of stress, she even refused to go in the truck so, the team decided to take a walk to the Elephant Nature Park. Although the mother was upset, baby Chaba was very curious and walked very fast without fear.

Chaba is a playful calf that loves to explore and does not hesitate to try new things at the rescue center. At the Save Elephant Foundation, she took her first bath, an experience she will never forget, and ever since then, this is her favorite activity.

“She loves playing with the water and splashing around. Mom walks away while she is playing and gets a moment to relax. She is growing confident and learning so much.”, wrote one of the rescuers on their official Instagram page. Now, mother and daughter have a chance to live the life they deserve, free and without any chains.

Take a look at the following photos and videos, and enjoy some heartwarming moments this duo had at the Elephant Nature Park. Have a good time!

An adorable moment when rescued elephant baby Chaba took the bath for the first time, you can see the pure joy in her eyes.

Chaba was very weak.

This mother-daughter duo was in very bad shape, as a projects director at Save Elephant Foundation, Ry Emmerson, once explained “When our team learned about Chaba and her mom, BunMa, we tried our best to help them. We found them in a small concrete pen…It was immediately clear that they were both in poor health and needed urgent intervention.”

BunMa and her baby Chaba in the former elephant camp.

Baby Chaba’s first bath in her little bathtub.

She loves to play in the water every time she gets the opportunity.

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The good thing is that people are becoming more and more aware that the animals in these camps are suffering and do not have good conditions. Many organizations are working on rescuing and sustaining a natural home for them, and that makes us all happy.

How adorable is baby Chaba taking her first bath? Make sure to visit the Elephant Nature Park’s official Instagram page and find out more about the other rescued elephants.