Freedom at Last
After the sanctuary Elephant Nature Park rescued two performing elephants, their story of hope was shared with millions of people around the world as a reminder that change is possible.
Learn more about how you can support ENP’s lifesaving work here.
4 Media
stories published
+400k Video Views
across social media
2 Elephants
rescued by ENP
The Issue
At a notorious zoo in Thailand, three elephants were forced to “rave” to music, “play” musical instruments and perform tricks for tourists’ entertainment. The lengthy performances were held up to three-times-a-day, all under the threat of the sharp bullhook. And when they were not being forced to perform, the elephants were chained on concrete flooring in a small, barren enclosure swaying repeatedly in distress - a sign of the psychological condition zoochosis. Moving Animals previously released footage the baby elephant there - Dumbo - calling for his freedom, but heartbreakingly, he died before he could be rescued.
The future also looked bleak for Dumbo’s companions, Tang Mo and San Mueang, until Elephant Nature Park stepped in. In 2020, when the zoo faced closure amid the Covid-19 pandemic, ENP worked to give the elephants their permanent freedom. The pair now roam free at the elephant sanctuary as part of ENP’s 250-acre jungle reserve in Chiang Mai. For Tang Mo, this was her first taste of freedom in over two decades, as she was just two years old when she was first taken to perform at the zoo.
Photo: Elephant Nature Park
Storytelling for Hope:
Like many elephant camps and sanctuaries across Asia, ENP was been hit hard by the pandemic As well as supporting their existing rescues, ENP also experienced a sudden influx of almost 2000 elephants due to the closure of camps across Thailand. During a time when sanctuaries were facing the financial and logistical upheaval of the pandemic, it felt particularly important to highlight their crucial work for elephants.
Using our visuals from our previous investigation at the zoo, along with the sanctuary’s images showcasing the elephants' freedom in their newfound home, we were able to craft and share the elephants’ story of hope and change to a global audience, while simultaneously,raising awareness of the plight of animals used for entertainment.
Tang Mo and San Mueng’s rescue, and the tireless work of Elephant Nature Park, was shared in multiple news outlets, including an exclusive with People Magazine, as well as Mail Online, and Good News Network. Viral social media platform UNILAD Adventure also shared the rescue with their audience, featuring interviews with ENP’s founder Lek Chailert and Moving Animal’s co-founder, Amy Jones. It is these stories of hope that remind us all that change for animals really is possible.
Photo: Elephant Nature Park
Use these visuals
Visit the Entertainment gallery on the Moving Animal archive. For related footage, please get in touch.