Three Elephants. One Family. One Hone

Learn the stories of our beautiful elephants and how they have spent a lifetime in hardship, having to work all day, every day, with very little rest.

Being rescued now means they never have to work again and have had their lives completely changed for the better. They can now lead content and happy lives, knowing they will never be harmed again, and are free to wander the rivers and grasslands as they wish here at Freedom Elephant Reserve.

No one truly knows if elephants dream, but if they do, this would be the time they’ve dreamed of all their lives.

Som Jai

Born: 1980
Favourite Food: Whole banana trees
Mahout: Boy (together since 2008)

Som Jai, whose name means “Content Heart,” has spent much of her life alongside people. Like many elephants of her generation, she experienced different homes and different types of work before eventually finding peace at an elephant sanctuary, where she enjoyed many happy years.

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to the tourism industry, the sanctuary was no longer able to continue caring for every elephant. During this difficult time, Som Jai and her devoted mahout, Boy, were left searching for a new place to call home.

Throughout it all, Boy never left Som Jai’s side. For 17 years, he has dedicated his life to her care, ensuring she had food, companionship, and comfort, even during the most uncertain times. Their bond is built on trust, patience, and unwavering loyalty.

In February 2025, fate brought Som Jai and Boy to Freedom Elephant Reserve. After hearing their story, we were honoured to welcome them both into our family.

Today, Som Jai spends her days roaming, foraging, bathing, and enjoying the freedom to simply be an elephant. Boy no longer carries the burden of wondering where her next meal will come from, and together they continue the journey they began many years ago.

Their story is a reminder that kindness, compassion, and second chances can change lives—not only for elephants, but for the people who dedicate their lives to caring for them.

Nammon

Born: 2006
Favourite Foods: Pineapple grass and relaxing in the mud spa
Mahout: Mr. Nai

Nammon is the youngest member of our elephant family. Curious, playful, and full of character, she has a particular love for fresh pineapple grass and can often be found happily relaxing in a muddy spa after a day of exploring.

As a young elephant, Nammon spent her early years living and working alongside people. As understanding of elephant welfare evolved, new opportunities emerged to give elephants like Nammon a different future.

In 2020, Mr. Nai became Nammon’s mahout. From the very beginning, he hoped to find her a place where she could enjoy a more natural and peaceful life. Together they moved to a sanctuary, where Nammon began settling into a new routine.

Unfortunately, when the pandemic created financial challenges across the tourism industry, the sanctuary was unable to continue operating. Once again, Nammon and Mr. Nai found themselves searching for a new home.

In January 2025, Freedom Elephant Reserve met Mr. Nai and promised that, once suitable land had been prepared, Nammon would always have a place to belong.

Just one month later, in February 2025, Nammon became the second elephant to arrive at Freedom Elephant Reserve.

Today, she spends her days foraging through the forest, cooling off in mud and water, and enjoying the freedom to express her natural behaviours. Thanks to Mr. Nai’s dedication and the support of everyone who visits the reserve, Nammon’s future is filled with comfort, care, and the opportunity to simply enjoy being an elephant.

Nadia

Born: 2007

Likes: To flip out in the mud and go absolutely crazy in there.

Mahout: Mr. James

Born:?

Everyone, please welcome Nadia. Nadia is only 18, although she looks like she’s in her 60’s. This is because her previous Mahout was not a very nice person. He chained Nadia to a tree and would torment Nadia by poking her with sharp objects. Once he was finished poking and stabbing her, he would then move on to the heavy blunt objects and beat her until he was exhausted.

No one really knows when or why the mahout trusted with her care started to abuse her, and for how long it went unnoticed, until Nadia’s owner saw her in this shocking state and immediately took action to save Nadia, and asked Freedom Elephant Reserve if we had the resources to nurse her back to health.

We immediately sourced a truck, and the very next day, Nadia arrived at the reserve. She was welcomed by all the herd and instantly found comfort with her new friends. She no longer has to worry about being beaten. And over the coming weeks and months, we hope to see her put on her weight and once again have youthful looks; however, from the vet’s assessment, the damage to her leg and spine are permanent.

Darla

Born: 1950

Likes: To chill on her own and sneak bananas from the storeroom

Mahout: Mr. Egg

Born:?

Darla was born in northern Thailand, in a region well-known for logging. That’s where Darla spent her years until the industry was banned in 1989. Like many elephants and mahouts at that time, they immediately found themselves out of work and in search of food.

Not much is known about Darla’s journey from logging to how she began working at a riding camp. Some stories say that she and her mahout spent weeks walking from the north to the south, seeking work and food. Until they came across a riding camp that gave food and a home in return for working there.

Darla spent around 25 years working as a riding elephant. The exact number of years is unknown, and sadly, her original mahout grew old and passed away. Never having the chance to know what a sanctuary is and see that which he cared for most not have to carry out back-breaking work day after day.

Years passed for Darla, and so did the mahouts, never really making a connection again. That was until 2015 when Darla met Mr. Egg. Mr. Egg, now aware of sanctuaries immediately set about seeking a better home for Darla, and in 2016 they found themselves together at a newly established elephant sanctuary in Phuket, where they stayed until it closed in late 2024, before finding haven at a new to be elephant reserve in Chalong, Freedom Elephant Reserve.

Dok Mai

Born: 2004
Favourite Thing: Taking life at her own pace
Mahout: Mr. Krum

Dok Mai is one of the gentlest members of our elephant family. She believes there is no need to rush through life and is famous for taking her time—whether she’s wandering through the forest or making her way over to guests with a handful of bananas.

One of Dok Mai’s favourite companions is Nammon. The two have formed a wonderful friendship since arriving at Freedom Elephant Reserve and can often be seen exploring together or enjoying a cooling dip in the river, while the rest of the herd relaxes beneath the shade of the trees. If you see Dok Mai gently placing her trunk in Nammon’s mouth, you’re witnessing one of the many ways elephants strengthen their social bonds and show affection.

Unlike many elephants of previous generations, Dok Mai has spent her life in environments where her welfare has always been a priority. Throughout her years, she has been cared for by dedicated people who have treated her with patience, respect, and plenty of bananas.

Today, Dok Mai continues to enjoy life exactly as she likes it—slowly, peacefully, and surrounded by friends. Her calm nature is a gentle reminder that sometimes the happiest moments are the ones that are never rushed.

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 1861 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Daniel _ 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Toller Park. Tiere leben ohne Ketten o.ä.. Kann man machen. Auch bei Regen kein Problem, gibt Regenschirme und auch Gummistiefel vor Ort (man kann auch Socken vor Ort kaufen). Die kleine Frau als Guide war wirklich sehr nett und man merkt, ihr liegen die Tiere am Herzen. Es werden nebenbei auch professionelle Fotos gemacht, die man am Ende natürlich kaufen kann. Aber alle Fotos kosten 1500 THB und sind wirklich gut. Finde ich fair. Einzelne Fotos ab 200 THB
  
 
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   Shelly Hubers 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best place to go to see the elephants, was the most amazing experience for us!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Erika Hernandez 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The elefantes are free to run around ❤️. It was beautiful plus the staff is friendly
  
 
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   Александра Соколова 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Потрясающее место - обязательно к посещению! Мы провели целый час в компании трех прекрасных слоних - погуляли с ними, обнимались, покормили фруктами. Кроме того не территории обитают быки Буффало и другие животные.
  
 
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   Kristin Trujeque 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a wonderful time. We flew in just for the day - they were so helpful with getting us to/from the airport, even though that’s not part of their typical service. Sarah was our guide for the day - she was knowledgeable, funny, and showed she cared so much about the animals. She was very engaging and answered all our questions. All the caretakers were super helpful as well, showing us how to feed the elephants and kindly guiding the animals around the park while we observed them. It was a great experience and I hope more people can visit to ensure they can find a long term space for them to safely keep all the elephants and expand the sanctuary.
  
 
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   Amanda Harris 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An amazing experience! We were able to feed and pat the elephants. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Highly recommend.
  
 
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   Natalie Gibson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a Fabulous Day With Elephants 😍Would Highly recommend
  
 
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   Magdalena Clarke 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lovely place, highly recommend.
  
 
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   Layke Clarke 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience and lovely people. Elephants are very well looked after and seem very happy.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tyler Samoy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This reserve was genuinely so nice. It was so relaxed the entire time, the tour guide was very informative, kind and also very helpful. They took many pictures for us and were very patient encouraging us to get closer to the elephants, which was possible since they made us feel very safe. I love how much they genuinely care about the elephants.