Happy Thai New Year 2021 from TORBOON

Happiness is in the Giving

In the last quarter of 2020, TORBOON ran a campaign to support Elephant Nature Park—a sanctuary that shelters about 4,000 animals, including 100+ elephants, water buffaloes, horses, cows, and other rescues. Through our handwoven mask sales and other limited edition products, we raised 22,719 baht—this was not a small feat, given COVID challenges and economic constraints. Thank you to all who participated!

We recently returned to Elephant Nature Park to visit our friends—both humans and animals. Below are some of our highlights.

Thai people have a long standing relationship with elephants. These majestic creatures have accompanied us into many battles, aided our logging industry, and entertained tourists and city folks alike with shows and rides. Growing up in a culture that have been exploiting these animals, it is refreshing to see Elephant Nature Park modeling a new way to interact and enjoy these gentle giants.

During the 2-day visit, we were invited to prepare food and play with these rescued elephants. We observed staff cleaning wounds on their feet, scrubbing their bodies, singing songs, conversing, and receiving kisses. The staff educated us on how to work with these elephants and overcome our fear of working with large animals. Our heart expanded 10 times from witnessing how Elephant Nature Park staff care for their creatures, as well as the warmth and loving-kindness these elephants return in kind.

Serendipitously, on the day we visited Elephant Nature Park to check in on our giant friends, we witnessed another happy moment. Due to the drought this April, the river was not quite deep enough for the elephants to fully submerged to cool off. A group of volunteers (monks and laymen) from Wat Chedi Luang Temple built a temporary dam so these sanctuary creatures can find respite from the summer heat.

Leela Selakun, daughter of the famed Sapun Selakun, is one of the many volunteers who brings joy to Elephant Nature Park. Leela was thrilled to meet our team. She kindly volunteered to model our products with these elephants. Thank you, Leela, for adding your natural elegance to our products!

Thank you

All TORBOON customers who participated in our 2020 giving campaign

Sangduen Lek Chailert, Elephant Nature Park Founder

Warattada Pattarodom, Social Activist

Leelaa Selakun, Model and Elephant Nature Park Volunteer

Khong Insang, Videographer and Photographer