Aug, 2017 : In a touching rescue that has captured the hearts of animal lovers worldwide, Sook-Jai, a 73-year-old elephant, has been freed from a life of captivity and mistreatment that lasted for nearly half a century. The emotional moment, captured on film, shows the elderly elephant shedding tears of relief and joy after years of toiling as a beggar and trekker.
Sook-Jai, now at the age of 76, had spent her entire life in captivity, enduring the hardships of being sold and resold to owners who subjected her to harsh working conditions. Her days were filled with grueling hours of labor in tourist trekking and street begging, leading to a significant decline in her health. As she aged, Sook-Jai became blind and lost most of her hearing, making her vulnerable and unable to continue the demanding work forced upon her.
The rescue mission was orchestrated by compassionate animal lovers, including a dedicated sponsor named Joan Baez, who has devoted her life to preventing cruelty towards elephants. Joan Baez’s sponsorship has granted Sook-Jai the opportunity to live the remainder of her life free from the hardships she endured for decades.
The emotional video of Sook-Jai shedding tears upon realizing her newfound freedom has resonated deeply with viewers worldwide. The poignant scene, with tears rolling down the elephant’s face and a trunk waving in what seems like a gesture of gratitude, has evoked strong emotions. One viewer expressed, “I cried the moment I saw she cried and waving her trunk. She knows she’s free now. Please save and rescue more and more elephants, together we can do it!”
Sook-Jai is now in her loving forever home, experiencing a life of peace that she had never known before. Although blind and unable to witness her new surroundings, the elderly elephant is discovering the joys of freedom and the care provided by her newfound sanctuary. The heartwarming rescue of Sook-Jai serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting and advocating for the welfare of animals, particularly those who have endured years of suffering in captivity.
