From witnessing ruthless abuse in her rural childhood to founding a sanctuary that houses more than 100 elephants today, Saengduean “Lek” Chailert has devoted her life to defending Thailand’s endangered Asian elephants. Her work, often described as gentle yet resolute, has become a cornerstone in the fight against animal cruelty in tourism and logging.
A Spark Ignited in Youth
At just 16 years old, Chailert encountered a traumatic scene: a bull elephant being brutally mistreated by loggers in northern Thailand. The emotional damage she felt in that moment—in its fear, pain, and defiance—would alter the trajectory of her life forever. Before the logging ban of 1989, elephants were the backbone of Thailand’s forestry industry; afterward, many were forced into tourism, performing demeaning tricks or giving rides (Guardian).
Building Sanctuary from Scratch
Driven by her commitment, Chailert borrowed money and, in 1996, purchased four hectares of land to create her first sanctuary. She insisted on a no-rides, no-performance policy—a bold stance at a time when elephant tourism was booming through spectacles and attractions.
Her perseverance caught the attention of National Geographic, leading to funding from a supporting couple in Texas. In 2003, Chailert founded the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai within the Save Elephant Foundation. Today, the sanctuary spans over 1,000 hectares and shelters around 120 rescued elephants.
Sanctuary Ethos: Love, Patience, and Respect
Chailert’s approach emphasizes healing and respect. When injured or traumatized elephants arrive, staff avoid any tools or interventions that might cause fear. Instead, they practice gentle care—allowing nature and compassion to guide recovery (Guardian).
New arrivals undergo quarantine before being slowly introduced to the herd. Signs of trust and contentment—like flapping ears and playful tail movements—indicate progress in their rehabilitation (Guardian).
Sustaining the Mission Through Tourism and Awareness
Visitors and volunteers help sustain the sanctuary through their participation and contributions. Chailert has also been an outspoken critic of exploitative tourism, advocating for ethical alternatives and convincing many camps to end elephant rides through her “Saddle Off!” initiative.
Her work has received international acclaim, earning numerous awards including Time Asia’s “Hero of Asia” (2005), Ford Foundation’s “Hero of the Planet” (2001), and recognition from Thailand’s tourism authority for animal welfare (2018). In addition, she was made a Chevalier of France’s Légion d’honneur in 2022.
Documentary Spotlight and Ongoing Challenges
Chailert’s story has been featured in various documentaries, including “Elephant Mother,” which highlights her sanctuary’s ethical treatment of elephants, even in the face of threats and the COVID-19 tourism crisis (Guardian Film Review).
Nonetheless, she continues to express concern about the future of Asian elephants. Despite official statistics suggesting stable populations, habitat loss, human–wildlife conflict, and negative perceptions of elephants persist. She underscores the need for robust government policy to ensure their long-term survival (Guardian).
Summary
Saengduean “Lek” Chailert’s journey—from a compassionate observer of animal suffering to a widely respected conservationist—is both heartening and urgent. Through unwavering resolve, she transformed her grief into action, founding a sanctuary that champions healing, compassion, and ethical tourism. But as elephants face mounting threats across Asia, her work remains more vital than ever—a living testament to how one person’s empathy can shape a better future for a species in peril.