Tragic but true, elephants continue to be used as props for tourist entertainment. Mae Boon Sri and Mebai, two elephants from Thailand, were used to this life of neglect and thankless work.
Mebai was separated from her mom at a young age when she was sold to the tourism industry. While at the tourist camp, another elephant named Mae Boon Sri adopted Mebai and looked after her like her own daughter — an "elephant nanny" of sorts. Finally, Mebai had a motherly figure to look up to.
One day, Mebai was lucky enough to head off to a nearby Elephant Nature Park sanctuary — but her retirement from tourism was bittersweet. She had to leave her friend and surrogate mom, Mae Boon Sri, behind.
Years later, the rescue team was finally able to finagle Mae Boon Sri out of the trekking camp. It took five days on foot for rescuers to lead Mae Boon Sri to her new sanctuary home, but they did so with no chains and no restraints — just freedom under their feet. When the group finally reached the sanctuary, who else but Mebai was there to greet her — alongside Mebai's biological mother who had also been rescued!
Though they had known each other in another life, Mae Boon Sri and Mebai instantly re-connected and embraced with their trunks. Mebai's mother could tell her daughter loved this elephant nanny, and was elated to finally meet Mae Boon Sri. Their bellows, trumpets, and screams of joy are powerful enough to send chills down your spine.
Everyone lucky enough to witness this incredible reunion was deeply touched. Mother and nanny came together as a family unit, and now Mebai has both motherly mentors back by her side. Watch the reunion unfold below, and please SHARE this triumphant ending with your friends on Facebook!
