In a heartwarming scene that has touched people worldwide, a blind elephant named Ploy Thong was embraced by her new herd for the first time at Elephant Nature Park in Thailand.
Ploy Thong, estimated to be about 30 years old, has faced numerous hardships throughout her life.
She spent 16 years carrying tourists in the Pattaya region, using her trunk to navigate while being exploited for rides.
Before that, she endured the harsh conditions of a circus.
Fortunately, the Save Elephant Foundation rescued her, bringing her to safety and comfort.
The uplifting footage captures Ploy Thong emitting low vibrations, a form of communication among elephants.
Her new herd responded by gathering around her, touching her gently with their trunks in a warm and affectionate welcome.
This tender moment marks a significant relief for Ploy Thong, who, despite being blind, has shown incredible resilience.
Ploy Thong’s journey to freedom began when Save Elephant Foundation staff noticed her struggles while rescuing another elephant named Bua Keaw.
They negotiated with her owner for her release and brought her to the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, where she met her new family.
The team at Elephant Nature Park expressed their joy in rescuing Ploy Thong and providing her with a nurturing environment.