The Story of Grandma Fhandee
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by
scott
Caring for an elderly elephant is far more challenging than caring for a younger one. Every meal must be chosen carefully — something easy to chew and digest — because even a small case of bloating can become a life-threatening condition. And when an old elephant is also blind, the level of care and attention required multiplies many times over.
Many people have asked us why we continue to rescue elderly, blind, or disabled elephants — some of whom are so weak they could collapse at any moment. A kind friend once told us that there are those who criticize our work, accusing us of rescuing old elephants just to gain sympathy. But have any of these people ever tried to help a blind or disabled elephant themselves? Before judging, perhaps they should look into their own history — whether they’ve ever been involved in elephant riding, performances, or breeding baby elephants for profit. Some of those who spread such criticism have never even set foot in our sanctuary to see how hard our team works each day to care for these gentle souls.
Old elephants are often overlooked because few people are willing to take on the responsibility — especially those who are both old and blind. They require endless care. But elderly and disabled elephants are exactly the ones who deserve help the most. They have served humans all their lives. When they grow old or are injured from years of labor, they deserve the right to rest and live in peace, not to be left to die without compassion.
This is Grandma Fhandee. She is blind in both eyes. When her previous owner reached out to us, she had already collapsed several times. Her body was frail and thin, and many warned that rescuing her could lead to her passing away soon after arrival — and that it might damage our reputation.
But for us, rescuing elephants is not about reputation — it’s about heart. We always prioritize helping the ones most in need, no matter how difficult their condition. Once they are with us, we do everything we can to give them the best possible life. After a lifetime of hard labor, they deserve to live freely and peacefully. And when their final day comes, they should leave this world surrounded by love, their feet free from chains — so that their spirit may rest in peace.
Rescuing elephants like Grandma Fhandee is about restoring dignity and giving them the respect, they’ve long been denied. Many have endured a lifetime of suffering. Our mission is to let them feel love and care from humans before they go.
At Save Elephant Foundation, nearly 70% of the elephants are elderly. Every day, our team works tirelessly to ensure they live safely, comfortably, and with happiness.
Grandma Fhandee is one of the elephants we’re most proud of. She has survived against the odds, and she grows more beautiful each day. “Caring for elephants can be exhausting, but seeing them happy makes every effort worthwhile.” – Saengduean Chailert