Elephant Rescued From Giving Rides Gets Water Therapy To Help Her Heal

She can't stop smiling!

Nam Phon's life used to be riddled with hardship and difficulty, but you'd never be able to tell by how she loves to splash around in the water these days.

Nam Phon | Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand

Nam Phon was one of the first elephants to retire at the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) Elephant Refuge in 2004 after spending most of her life carrying tourists around at various elephant camps. According to WFFT, she more than likely was poached from the wild as a baby before being sold into the logging then tourism industries.

Nam Phon's "home" at her old trekking camp | Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand

Nam Phon, who is now 55 years old, lived a peaceful life at the refuge for six years, enjoying her days in the company of her own kind, until 2010, when Nam Phon's owner decided to take her back, ripping her away from her friends and freedom - all for the sake of forcing her back into a life of labor. At the time of her initial rescue, WFFT didn't have the finances needed to pay elephant owners to allow their animals to permanently retire at the sanctuary.

Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand

It wasn't until March 2016 that Nam Phon was finally rescued for good from a trekking camp in west Thailand. After negotiating with her owner for years, WFFT was able to bring their gentle lady back home. Nam Phon, who enjoys the company of both humans and elephants, has since found an especially close friend in Jele, another senior female who was rescued from death after she was found chained to a tree.

Nam Phon and Jele | Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand

When Nam Phon isn't spending time with her best friend, whom she loves to "hold hands" with using her trunk, she thoroughly enjoys her daily walks and physiotherapy swim lessons. Her previous life, filled with hard labor, has left Nam Phon's back legs slightly lame. Recently, Nam Phon suffered from a collapsing episode and was unable to stand for several days.

Nam Phon's collapsing | Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand

A specially made hoist was placed on her body to help her stand on all four feet again.

Nam Phon standing strong again | Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand

She's been able to walk on her own since then, but the hope is that her continued rehabilitation and therapy will prevent another incident like that from happening.

Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand

"She currently goes into the specially created medical pool once a day and spends however long she wants to in the pool," Tom Taylor, assistant director of WFFT, told The Dodo.

Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand

"The daily swimming sessions will strengthen her muscles, as well as giving her something to smile about," he said.

Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand

As for what motivates Nam Phon to get in and out of the water?

Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand

"Food, food and more food, and lots of words of encouragement," Taylor said.

Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand

You can keep up with Nam Phon and her friends on Facebook.

Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand

Want to support Nam Phon's therapy, and help WFFT save more elephants? You can make a donation here.