Assignment Asia: Thailand’s elephant whisperer

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The elephant is Thailand's national symbol, revered throughout history for its strength and intelligence.

But as much as they are celebrated, elephants are also among the most abused animals in the country.

Elephants have been used for nearly 3,000 years as Thailand's bulldozers, taxis, and tanks. /CGTN Photo

Only about 3,000 Asian elephants remain in Thailand's forests. More than 4,000 of the endangered species are held captive. Their image is celebrated – and sold – across the country. In northern Thailand alone, 80 camps hold more than 900 elephants.

Over the past four decades, Lek Chailert, known as Thailand's elephant whisperer, has dedicated her life to rescuing abused Asian elephants and building an emotional connection with them.

Lek has created a 250-acre sanctuary to simulate a natural environment for her slightly larger-than-usual family of 35 elephants.

“Many elephants that we rescue here, they arrived here like zombies. Some have mental issues as they've worked for people for over 50 years,” Lek told Assignment Asia.

Lek hopes that there will be a law one day to protect elephants in Thailand as she believes that the large mammals deserve their own space and a better future.