Elephants are gentle giants with big hearts. They are smart and forge deep relationships that last a lifetime with their significant others, as well as humans. They are trusting and respond well to proper training when it’s done in a caring, non-aggressive way.
I love seeing the nurturing bond between a wild animal and a human. And when the love is returned from both sides, it’s even more fulfilling and beautiful to watch. Especially because this is proof that even though humans and animals don’t speak the same language, it is love that is the universal language, transcending all other forms of communication.
In this video, Faamai, an elephant from the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is being swatted with a rag by her caretaker, Sangduen “Lek” Chailert, founder of the Save Elephant Foundation in Thailand. This is to cool her down and keep the flies away.
Lek’s bond with Faamai is obvious in the way that the elephant lets her stand beside her. She’s so close that Faamai extends her trunk to wrap Lek into a cuddle. It’s absolutely touching the way her trunk reaches out and curls up around Lek who is singing a lullaby.
The woman is swatting and singing as Faamai gets drowsy and slowly makes her way to the ground. Her one large ear is flapping, similar to the happy tail-wagging of a dog. Lek drops down too and joins her in an embrace, still singing and hugging – then “someone else” comes to join in.
Click below to see the entire moment unfold. It’s truly heartwarming to see such a loving scenario take place.
