My name is Sorn Ram. I was born and raised in the north of Thailand. I started my life in the teak wood logging trade where we would push, pull and roll big logs all day long, the job was risky; especially for a baby elephant who didn’t listen!
When we are little, we like to play, you’ll see in my right ear that I have quite a big hole, our ears are one of the most sensitive parts of our bodies. One day, I moved to the Surin Province of Thailand, where I was forced to beg on the streets for money.
When I was 30 years old, and just after my birthday I was relocated again to Koh Samui, a beautiful island with fantastic jungle and coconut plantations. It was much easier on my feet than on boiling-hot pavements, but I had to carry a heavy metal chair and tourists every day. I thought my life was going to get better, but for ten years I walked the same route time and time again, come rain or shine. During this time, I injured my leg, and it got infected. I did have vets come and see me at the riding camp, but I needed long-term care for it to get better.
Maew heard of my sad life and my injuries and took me with him to Samui Elephant Haven when I was 45 years old. I haven’t been here long, and I’m still settling in. My mahout at the Haven is looking after me very well, and my wound is getting a lot better; it isn’t as painful as before. The whole team is very caring, and so far, I like it here. I can sleep peacefully for the first time in my life on my big sand pile. Thank you all for rescuing me and for bringing me ‘home’
