Plai Tong Jai

Plai Tong Jai (Heart of Gold in Thai) was the tallest member of the BLES family.

When Anon overheard a man complaining that his elephant was a useless waste of time, Anon asked to see the elephant for himself. The elephant, in reference, was Plai Tong Jai, an incredibly tall, handsome but dangerously underweight specimen. Flies buzzed around Plai Tong’s spine, indicating broken skin where the bones had protruded. In defense of Plai Tong Jai’s declining state, the owner admitted to logging him with an ill-fitting harness, which had caused friction burns. When questioned why he hadn’t treated his elephant’s wounds, the owner replied that it was a normal consequence of working elephants to have injuries.

 Katherine and Anon responded to the urgency of the failing elephant’s health and sent out an emergency request for help. The Alexander Abraham Foundation kindly contributed the money for Tong’Jai's rescue. When Tong Jai finally arrived at BLES, the examining elephant veterinarian indicated that Tong Jai would not likely live long. He estimated that - if we were lucky - Tong Jai would last a few months….

Tong Jai made steady improvements and maintained a healthy weight over the eleven years that he lived with us. BLES saw huge changes in Tong Jai’s temperament as he adjusted to freedom and loving care.

The dedication of Tong Jai’s brave mahout Anon was crucial to Tong Jai's recovery and longevity.

Plai Tong Jai - a Legend .

OUR HERO TONG JAI PASSED AWAY PEACEFULLY  IN OCTOBER 2017.

HE LIVED TO ENJOY MANY YEARS OF FREEDOM AND PEACE. HE NOW RESTS FOREVER AT BLES