Pond Sawan

Pond Sawan, whose name means “Blessing from Heaven”, once worked in illegal logging along the Thai-Burmese border. In 2011, after a long day of hard labour, she was foraging in the jungle when she stepped on a landmine. The explosion destroyed her back left foot causing a severe injury and immense suffering.

Far from help, it took several days for Pond Sawan and her mahout to reach a road where a truck could transport her to a hospital. She was taken to the Thai Elephant Conservation Center’s government hospital in Lampang, where she received intensive medical care. After three years of treatment and recovery, she was finally strong enough to move to the park in June 2014.

At first, Pond Sawan was quiet and withdrawn, preferring to be alone. But with time, she began to heal emotionally and formed close bonds with other elephants. She found her place in a herd alongside her dear friend, Mintra, and was a devoted nanny to Yindee when he was young. She also developed a special connection with Malai Thong, another landmine survivor who understands her journey.

More recently, Pond Sawan has become a devoted nanny to NamThip, a young elephant rescued in 2023. Together with Malai Thong, Mintra, and Kratae, they’ve formed a beautiful, loving family. Despite her permanent injury, Pond Sawan walks with quiet strength and gentle confidence. Loyal, protective, and deeply connected to her herd, she is a living symbol of resilience, and a reminder of the potential of love and belonging to heal.