From silence to trumpets: changing the story of elephants in Thailand
News
You may have seen our latest TV advert about elephants.
It tells the story of a majestic elephant, Mae Gohgae. When we first met, she should have been trumpeting, rumbling, and squeaking with joy. But instead, she was traumatised into silence.
For years, Mae was forced to drag logs from the forests of Thailand and Myanmar. Later, she worked as a trekking elephant in Chiang Mai, giving backbreaking rides to tourists day after day. Denied of everything that makes life worth living.
Our new TV ad ‘Silence’ tells the story of exploited elephants just like her. If you haven’t had the chance yet, please take a moment to watch it here. Warning: Sensitive viewers might proceed carefully as it contains distressing images of elephant training.
Mae’s pain may have deepened when she lost her first calf just hours after birth. And her heart may have broken even more when her next calf Mayura was ripped from her side and thrown into a life of exploitation just like her.
But thanks to the compassion of animal lovers around the world, her story changed forever. Fortunately, she and her daughter Mayura were reunited at Chang Chill – a former elephant riding camp that our generous supporters helped to transform into an elephant-friendly venue. Where elephants can just be elephants.
Mae has undergone a truly magical transformation since. She’s now become cheeky, loud, splashing in the river and stealing food from her friends. And the best part? Her silence was replaced with sounds of joy.
There, she and her daughter are finally free to roam and forage in their peaceful semi-wild home under the caring watch of their mahouts.
But Mae’s story is not unique. Across the globe, millions of animals are still suffering in silence. Thousands of captive elephants are still forced to give backbreaking rides. Perform demeaning tricks. OR be hand-bathed by visitors. These are not isolated incidents. They are symptoms of a global industry that profits from their pain.
This sweet elephant’s journey from silence to trumpets is a testament to what’s possible when people choose compassion.
With you by their side, more animals like Mae can have a life worth living.
Become an Animal Protector
Elephants trapped in the entertainment industry have been traumatised into silence. Help protect these innocent animals and free them from pain with a gift of just $5 per month.
Donate now to protect elephants
You can help provide happy new homes for elephants caught up in the tourism industry, giving them a chance to live the rest of their lives in peace.