Save Elephant Foundation Welcomes Dao Tong!

Thanks to Matt Rousu and Chantelle Ridley, a female elephant in her mid thirties can begin a new life and put her working days behind her. Renamed Dao Tong (Golden Star), she was formerly known as Sai Roong (which means rainbow) and was rescued at the Surin Elephant Round-up. This national elephant festival takes place each November in the Surin province of Thailand.

Like many elephants from Surin, Dao Tong most recently worked as a street begging elephant. Each night she and her mahout would walk all the way to the nearest big town, wander the streets plying their trade as long as there were people out and about and then make the long walk back to their village. All this with a traumatic old injury to her back right leg! When not working she was left on a very long chain all alone in the middle of a field. Sadly she became accustomed to being by herself.

At some point in her past life as Sai Roong, Dao Tong suffered a dislocation and a break in the same leg.  How she was injured is not known for sure. She could have been hit by a vehicle, attacked by another elephant, injured in a forced breeding incident or while working in illegal logging. No matter how it happened, the amazing thing is how well she is able to get around.

Matt and Chantelle were inspired to begin fundraising during their first visit to ENP. At that time they were lucky to be able to go along for the rescue of Dani and were very moved by the experience.  Upon their return to Australia they began their ‘Ride Bikes not Elephants’ campaign. After two years of hard work, the pair reached their goal and journeyed back to Thailand, with their sights set on Surin – knowing that an elephant in need awaited them.

At Surin, Dao Tong climbed in the truck without protest and began the long journey to her new home on the other side of the country. Upon arrival she was greeted by a crowd of excited day visitors, volunteers and a handful of ‘pachyderm paparazzi’ waiting to document the event.  After bathing time the real welcome began when the ele-welcoming committee arrived. Mintra, Faa Sai, Faa Mai, Tong Jaan and Mae Bua Tong are always ready to greet a new arrival. Trunk loads of touching, trumpeting, rumbles and squeaks commenced….. And of course the coprophagy!

Since that time, Dao Tong has spent most of her days in the front corner of the park, an area reserved for those who feel more comfortable on their own. She is getting to know her surroundings and for the time being she seems content to stay by herself. As she settles in, her true personality is revealing itself. Dao Tong does not have the downcast eyes of someone who has given in. She seems to be a female who will stand up for herself if pushed to the limit. She is not afraid of letting you know if you are invading her personal space. Not used to the daily portion of bananas and pumpkin, she is protective of her food, thinking that anyone nearby may want to take it away from her. Dao Tong has finally reached the point in her life where she can set the boundaries for what she will put up with and is free to walk away when she likes. Welcome to Elephant Nature Park Dao Tong!! We are glad you made it. May a rewarding friendship be in your future…….