Thong Dee

This gentle, social elephant in her fifties was rescued from a riding and trekking camp in Pattaya, Southern Thailand. 

Like many elephants living and working in camp environments, Thong Dee had loving owners who worked her because they had no other means to earn an income.

They contacted BLES looking to retire her. She had been working as a “taxi elephant” for so long that the riding chair  had permanently rubbed the hair off her back. She was also being attacked by the elephant that was chained up next to her in the tiny, cramped stable and she was obviously tired and depressed.

Thong Dee’s first day at BLES was magical. She made it very clear to us that yellow mangos were her favourite treat by tearing through her welcome buffet, making sure she didn’t leave any behind.

She wasted no time in meeting her new family, making friends with the Gossip Girls, Boon Thong , Pang Noi and Pang Suai and was eager to join in with the forest walks at the first opportunity

Thong Dee settled into the herd beautifully and loved to spend time with other older elephants like Boon Thong, Permpoon, Sontaya, Sao Noi, and Ngor. Her favourite place to relax and graze was under the shady Samcha trees where she covered herself in mud and scratched her entire body on the sturdy tree trunks.

Thong Dee was such a sunny, happy lady - her mahout called her "Yai" which means grandmother and she was a firm favourite with all who had the joy of meeting her.

Thong Dee sadly passed away in October 2017. She took last breath, surrounded by Katherine and her children, who surrounded her with love and peace during her final moments.

Our hearts were shattered by the passing of our Granny Thong Dee. She will never be forgotten.