PHUKET ZOO RESCUE

 For years, Tang Mo and San Mueang lived side by side at Phuket Zoo, where they were forced to perform for tourists and spent much of their lives chained together. Tang Mo, a 21-year-old female, had cared for San Mueang since he arrived at the zoo as a young calf from northern Thailand, forming a deep and enduring bond.

When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the zoo to close, Save Elephant Foundation was presented with a rare opportunity to rescue them. However, limited funding meant that only Tang Mo could be rescued initially. In August 2020, with support from the Trunks Up community and compassionate donors around the world, Tang Mo began her journey to Elephant Nature Park. Although separating the pair was heartbreaking, the rescue marked the beginning of a new life free from chains and performances.

We remained committed to reuniting the two elephants and San Mueang was finally rescued shortly thereafter and transported to Elephant Nature Park. Today, both elephants live in the safety of the sanctuary, where they receive lifelong care and the freedom to live as elephants should.