Sompord

This strong and handsome bull ads a wonderful spark to our herd. In his late thirties, Sompord thrives in our care and enjoys the freedom and autonomy that BLES allows.

Sompord was first rescued along with three other bulls in December 2015.

BLES was founded in a village that had traditionally been used for logging and when the logging trade became illegal in 1989, the mahouts and their elephants were left unemployed. 

After months of negotiation and discussion, Katherine welcomed four local bulls and their mahouts into BLES, with the promise that their mahouts would receive a monthly income, and their elephants would receive access to the social and physical benefits of sanctuary life.

Sompord being shadowed by Pang Suai.

Sompord clearly loved his new home. Pang Noi and Pang Suai, our two flirtatious females, checked him out as soon as he arrived. There were trunks everywhere and we mean everywhere!!

Sompord is easily recognized by a birth defect that has left his back left leg shorter than the others. He walks with a distinctive limp, but it doesn’t slow him down at all. It doesn’t seem to bother the ladies either!

During the Covid pandemic and with funds being at a dangerous and all time low, it was agreed that Sompord should be temporarily released from BLES.

During the pandemic, BLES maintained a positive relationship with Boo Nit, Sompord’s owner and continued to support them whenever possible.

None of us imaged that Covid would last for several years and on the 12th November 2024, BLES was finally able to re rescue Sompord and welcome him and his owner, Boo Nit back to BLES!

Since his homecoming, Pang Suai and Pang Noi have not let Sompord out of their sights!

Meet my Mahout, Boo Nit