Khum Min the elephant set free (see the chains removed)

Filmed in July, 2010 in Northern Thailand. I was part of a group who walked an elephant called Khum Min from a life of work (trekking) to a life of freedom (with a mahout/minder), where he will live as part of a herd in the jungle around a remote Karen hilltribe village. The hope is that by providing these eles with a safe, happy herd environment, breeding will take place.
Asian Elephants are an endangered species due to habitat loss and poaching. There are between 41,410 and 52,345 left in the wild. If you'd like to support the protection and conservation of Asian elephants, please donate to the reputable non-profit organisations 'Elephants in Crisis': www.elephantsincrisis.org or 'Elephant Voices': www.elephantvoices.org
Hope you enjoy this precious moment as much as I did!
This elephant release was part of the documentary 'Journey to Freedom' by award winning film maker Martin Guinness. Trailer can be viewed here: • Walk to Freedom - trailer

[@chrissyusa9765]

Follows the man who released him from the cruel chains....I just melted 💗

[@ChristyAnne-bx7ps]

With all the human suffering and desperate human need out there, this seems to be such an enormous waste of valuable resources. When we can get our homeless vets with PTSD taken care of, then we can worry about these elephants " supposed" PTSD. Pfffff. SMH

[@kathleenjimenez8394]

The way he touched his leg when the first chain was removed, literally made me cry. As if he couldn’t believe it.

[@ksc743]

You should watch the rescue of Raju. Also an Asian elephant. Spikes on the chains on all 4 legs. Full of pus and infection when removed. Really badly abused all over his body but rescued after 50 years. That one broke my heart.

[@ksc743]

@Jamie M. there's a big difference between a lightweight wrist trinket that's removed at the end of each day compared to a heavy tight steel contraption round your ankle worn permanently for 30+ years...a contraption that's never removed and chafes up and down whenever you move. What do they call people with zero empathy again...? Oh that's right a psychopath. Why are you even watching this.

[@joslynneyoung2437]

In my older age, I have begun to petition and advocate on behalf of protecting wildlife. Each day I feel an urge to pack up my bags and join those who rescue animals.

[@StamfordBridge]

In whatever form it is, thank you for your advocacy.

[@madwhitehare3635]

Joslynne....did you go? Woukd love to know....

[@joslynneyoung2437]

No, I've been in school for a couple of years since I last responded to this thread on this beautiful animal 🙂❤️

[@BostonIce37]

Congrats to you and thank you for your advocacy for these majestic creatures. I help financially for now but hope to do more later. Taking care of my father for now.

[@ChristyAnne-bx7ps]

Oh great I'm sure Indonesia needs more overly emotional white women from the US to barrel into their country caring more for their field beasts than for their poor families. Your type is plentiful out there. They've been warned about letting more sanctimonious white folks into their country but it's their risk. 😂😂😂

[@345kobi]

This made my day even with the video being 10 years old. Much respect to all who contributed to the freedom of this beautiful animal.

[@chadsimmons6347]

Leftists don't (unchain) a submissive mind. Pro-choice is deceiving with other opinions deemed dangerous.

[@andyferraro2083]

I believe I just I just saw a Elephant SMILING !!!!! ANDY

[@lesleysmith1159]

He was so trusting and almost smiling when they were taking his chains off. Animals are too good for most humans.

[@mitchly]

What a great comment! Thank you.

[@ronnyronny8424]

Yes Lesley sad but true. I am ashamed for being a human, especially when i see this

[@vicki8726]

I seen it too he smiled

[@anthonymctigue9038]

Yes ANIMALS ANY DAY

[@Paul-11]

Beautiful animals, I hate their captivity and horrendous circus training. Chains off amazing video.

[@sassygirl7817]

I started tearing up when the chain was released and he touched his trunk to his leg to feel if the chain was really off. It’s so wonderful to see that he will now be free for the rest of his life.

[@tylerjeb7888]

they probably take his chains off all the time.

[@brikkijim]

he was found dead a week later from starvation. He had never learned how to eat in the wild.

[@Cantfindahable]

I’m with you

[@garystoltz573]

@@brikkijim what a puke you are it wouldn't have died in only a week, you are a piece of work.

[@brikkijim]

@@garystoltz573 Sorry but I am not a puke but a realist. Many human raised animals that are released back into the wild do not survive. Facts are facts. I wish that elephant had never seen a chain or a human for that matter but I was only stating a possibility. Just because you don't like my comment does not make me a puke it just means you don't like my comment. Grow up.

[@Craftsbysamantha229]

Thank you guys for setting him free.. Poor guy was crying.. He is very beautiful.. God bless

[@sylviastreet6785]

How can you not cry as he is released! He can finally walk away from his chains!

[@EconomicBearish]

what aabout the necklace? still not free

[@Jacek_Rodos]

@@EconomicBearish It's obviously fake. Chains removed for show. He doesn't have any abrasions, so he wasn't wearing those chains.

[@gladheateher4now]

That,,,made me cry. No elephant on planet earth should ever be chained. EVER. People who do this should be put in chains for a month and see how they feel.

[@rexxo4246]

I rather say no animal should be chained.

[@johnshilling2221]

As I am sure you are aware, poaching in Africa became so bad that poachers were hunted down and shot like the rabid dogs that they are. I believe that the entire chain of custody needs to be eliminated. I would feel no remorse, no guilt, if I had the opportunity to carry out Frontier Justice on these "people(?)"

[@andrewlynham606]

Me too :-(

[@barrymantz6026]

@@rexxo4246 Or human!

[@barrymantz6026]

@@johnshilling2221 Eye for an eye will make the whole world blind scumbag! You're not better than the poachers! Maybe even more evil!

[@angel12boucher17]

This beautiful sight never ever gets old...what a wonderful thing these people do

[@cacampbell3654]

Yes. Freedom means so much to all of us animals I think!

[@angel12boucher17]

@@cacampbell3654 oh yes..truly my friend

[@angelaprater2679]

Love it

[@anitaechikunwoke5013]

Or how terrible humans forced him to live all those years. It is criminal for him to have had to live, horrible and just dam mean. The question is....why!? Non if us humans ever had the right to do that to this wonderful intelligent animal! Humans!! I am embarrased to be one alot of times!! Thanks for those who finally gave him freedom!😂

[@angel12boucher17]

@@anitaechikunwoke5013 yes I understand and completely agree….humans can be the most inhumane

[@robertoautore9252]

I'm happy they set him free he's so adorable and a friendly giant, sacred animal in the spiritual world, Jai Guru Dev.🙏❤️

[@thatgirl1603]

Aww, when his mouth drop open when he realized the chains were being removed, so touching!

[@carolinepaquier8156]

We ARE waking up to the errors we have made with nature's wonderful gifts to us. Fair Farren, Khum Min. May the rest of your life be free and peaceful.

[@tattoobby1557]

U see how he rubbed his foot when the first chain came off an stepped forward and your gonna tell me animals don't have emotions or arnt aware ? These animals are so very beautiful an deserve life♡

[@rogerbabson7221]

It's interesting that the elephant could've broken those chains at any time, as they often unintentionally do when frightened. But they've been chained for so long they assume that since they couldn't break them as calf, they are perceived as unbreakable as an adult. This is why the locals can keep the original weaker chains on them for life. It's the same with how the African tribes tie their elephants up with very thin rope. A sad observation is that the thinner the chain or rope used, the younger the calf was when captured. Sadder still when one remembers that elephants are only slightly below humans in terms of long and short term memory, facial recognition, problem solving, physical articulation, vocabulary recognition (human vocabulary!) and other measures of intelligence. They have complex emotions, play for amusement, cry when sad and in pain, create and visit their own graveyards, create and use tools, and show concern for their herd and for other animals' wellbeing. (You may have seen the KZbin vids showing them saving overturned turtles from dying, and protecting wildebeest calves from predators.) They not only have distinct verbal language, they also have verbal accents (dialects) that vary from herd to herd. I'm sorry for prattling on, but something that beautiful should never be chained.

[@nightlightabcd]

I question if can they can't break the chains!

[@ankurbbhatt]

The irony is in your admiration of the intellect of the beautiful animal, you're judging it from a human pedestal. Elephants are beautiful and equal to human beings..we are no one to judge them in positive or negative terms. Humans need to come off their high pedestals as in the animal world they're nothing if they didn't invent weapons. And it's not a very good thing to invent anyway. For centuries of human stupidity has wiped out so many species and now they're acting like they own the earth. It's a see sawing nature of humans either for or against. Sheer ego and stupidity.

[@rogerbabson7221]

@@ankurbbhatt If I'm on a "human pedestal" (whatever the fuck that is) then you're on it too fellow human.

[@chrischristofis8501]

Chaining or caging any animal is wrong when will humainty learn

[@bruceallington1648]

You ever seen a horse tied to a lawn chair they don'try to escape GOD BLESS THIS ELEPHANT LIVE LONG AND PROSPER

[@ethanfury1575]

I just had a big old smile on my face as I saw that beautiful majestic creature finally released god bless these people

[@13zounds]

I am weeping, and just seeing those legs move. From all those chains to this beautiful gait. It’s just amazing. Thank you all of you for your part in this gorgeous piece of magic!

[@doegirl5246]

Bless his loving heart. He now gets to roam freely,the way he was meant to do.. You guys are Angels 😇 ❤

[@marcoadan1]

Love how he straight follows the dude who set him free.

[@jollyjiraffe382]

This makes my heart soar like an eagle 😊😊😊

[@Jacek_Rodos]

It's obviously fake. Chains removed for show. He doesn't have any abrasions, so he wasn't wearing those chains.

[@lanavarmatos8096]

Thank you to all the people who help elephants

[@PacoOtis]

Thank you! The world needs more people like you!!!

[@jodyhuston1516]

Thank you. Thank you for doing this for him. Khum Min, be free, be an elephant, be happy!

[@vickidorminey8985]

The most gentle giants....I’m so thankful this sweetheart is free😭

[@mimileggett7154]

Wonderful to see the elephant set free into the herd, after the chains were cut away from his legs. Thank you to the Foundation that is rescuing and saving these beautiful elephants from a life of torture!

[@geraldinerice5371]

I hope he finds joy. And a herd to be at peace.

[@andrewburton-fullick7652]

This really made me cry, This magnificent creature should never have been put in chains it is criminal.

[@SB-000]

I like how he shook his leg when the chain came off and then checked it with his trunk to make sure!

[@metanoiamit]

Seeing the elephant go freely was such a bliss... hope each and every animal becomes free one day...

[@oliviamonkey]

Thank for liberating the sweet elefant . NO creature should be caged or confined. have a nice day.

[@annebell7274]

Who wouldn't cry at that but is it for real, not just for show to the Tourists..... A magnificent beast. ❤

[@simig1546]

Very fortunate gentle elephant ❤❤❤ May you stay healthy and live long!! Respect to all !

[@tammyhale5316]

This should have never been in such a life 😥 Thank you so much for freeing him..God Bless and Enjoy Your New Beginning ❤️🐘 Such a beautiful place for a beautiful animal

[@tacobob4123]

Never should of been in chains in the first place

[@debbieschiphof3932]

I totally agree.

[@sandrarussell2347]

@@debbieschiphof3932 Mlm?

[@stevesanderson8360]

Should HAVE. Not should OF

[@oaasun3451]

@@stevesanderson8360 shut the fuck up nazi

[@carmendaiken6074]

Sad truth nicely said

[@rebeccaslater1398]

So wonderful to see the chains off ,so moving ! Just wonderful.

[@jeepsthetimebandit]

That was heartwarming to watch 😊 I can't imagine the elephants' thought processing at that moment ❤

[@puppy_love1426]

May all magnificent creatures be free. Away from any cruelty and lives in harmony. I still hope and wish for their freedom. ❤❤❤

[@firewaterbydesign]

BEAUTIFUL!!! NO one, not even an elephant should EVER be in chains!!! EVER!!!

[@batshivamoosha7940]

ONLY idiots do stuff like this.

[@sportbikejesus6297]

Interesting take. Most ppl don’t publicly support pardoning war criminals, serial killers, rapists and child molesters

[@firewaterbydesign]

@@sportbikejesus6297 You can choose to stay in your selective programming for as long as you like. However, do NOT put words in my mouth that I did NOT say, or twist what I have said to suit your own 3rd dimensional depravity!!

[@stevenmorris3181]

Not true. I can think of ten generations of politicians that would fit the bill.

[@firewaterbydesign]

@@stevenmorris3181 So, you are just now finding this out after we have been telling people this for 10+ years and were called crazy? NOW feel the urge to twist someone's comment to make it say something that it does NOT, so that you can deal with your cognitive dissonance!!! Nice!! There is a difference between cuffs and chains!! STOP 🛑 twisting my comment to mean something that it does NOT mean!!!

[@samstone8025]

This makes my heart very happy what a beautiful sight!!!!!!❤️

[@marinapeache3113]

What a beautiful majestic Elephant 🐘 so glad he's free 🐘

[@cricketbee7823]

He is smiling. How sweet is that. Thanks to all those wonderful people.

[@wendynine-sc2sv]

Wonderful awesome beings! ...❤❤❤❤...

[@michellesouders2627]

Such a trusting and nice elephant!! He deserves to be free and have a good life.

[@fredsnyder3063]

Once again compassion and love shine bright, thank you 🙂

[@dang.s]

You can see tears in his eyes. Wish him well.

[@noelk8335]

when he touched his leg to see if the chain was really off makes one cry

[@mykkie100]

What a beautiful elephant!

[@ncstephen1249]

Michael Wallingford

[@georgefrancis8192]

Beautiful Elephant! Rotten Humans 😥

[@michaelsnow4521]

Just awesome. Elephants get miss treated alot, but are some of the most amazing creatures in the word. Better than us for certain. Beautiful moment

[@mitchly]

"Better than us for certain" You're not wrong Michael! They most certainly are!!!!

[@tonytrimarchiat]

There are a lot of good caring people out there, thanks for removing those chains. Good job.

[@ckzf1842]

Thank you for setting this beautiful creature free !

[@elanianiyvwia8687]

Thank you for helping set this majestic soul free. 😢 he’s so beautiful!!! God bless you.

[@gloriamurrieta9884]

I was so glad to see those chains come off. Elephants are very smart and funny animals!

[@MegaPW1]

Have a good life, Khum Min, I'm so happy for you! 🤗❤️

[@musicfanBRA]

To the ppl who freed the ellie: friends, you are amazing, thank you! Please keep up the good work! Much love from Brazil.😘💕💕

[@truth4078]

Whoever did this to this animal SHOULD be placed in chains themselves

[@markstuut4024]

that's my truth makes you no better

[@19462950]

A no good piece of shit that put him in chains.......ignorant mother-fuckers from this place.

[@epistte]

Anyone who does this needs to have steel cables wrapped around the neck and ankles and used as a 240v fuse. I have more respect for animals than I do for humans.

[@walle5667]

@Aniruddh Rabinder Nath Why is milk acceptable? You have to go all the way. Cows don't give milk for no reason. Think, when do human females give milk? No extent that to cows and goats and horses... If you are against using animals for our own good, why are you disregarding the cow?

[@hulkincredible8169]

@Aniruddh Rabinder Nath , milk and honey from animals is also a form of animal abuse. Cows need to be pregnant to produce milk. They are forcefully and painfully made pregnant, their babies are taken away from them as soon as they are born so that humans can steal the milk and sell it. Some calves are killed after they are born and some are abandoned to suffer and die. After lifetime of abuse, when the cow cannot produce milk anymore, the cow gets slaughtered for meat and leather. Their milk belongs to their babies, not humans. And about honey, most of the bee farmers cut down the wings of the queen bee so that they cant escape as all the bees of the colony follow the queen bee. The only way to be animal cruelty free is to go vegan.

[@equine2020]

Such magnificent creatures. Protect our wildlife.

[@jayyoung5423]

One of the most intelligent and gentle creature you'll ever meet, great stuff, cudos to all.

[@bassie19691]

THE LOVE FOR ALL LIVING CREATURES IS THE MOST NOBLE ATTRIBUTE OF MAN- CHARLES DARWIN

[@allisonjames2923]

Yet sadly lacking in most men

[@PayalSingh-dp9pd]

You did a wonderful job by setting this magnificent creature free from boundations

[@f4yj805]

OMG. Look at this beautiful ❤️ beautiful clip. This beautiful Giant will soon be roaming freely. Wow. New Beginnings ❤❤ Bless everyone

[@FLG232]

So beautiful to see this magnificent creature set free!

[@lynngreene1993]

His eyes made mine run! Bless this big boys heart ❤ ALL ellies should be free!!!

[@anitaechikunwoke5013]

I think this Elephant is a girl

[@kirbyharris5576]

Free at last, I pray for the day all elephants are free! God did not make elephants to be slaves to humans, they have suffered for many years. My heart sings as elephant by elephant is freed.

[@dexter131]

Kirby Harris have you read the bible?

[@judyhoffman7290]

It's so good we have changed the way we do things! How great a gift for the ellie! Bless you and thank you!

[@gailfagan7579]

I am in my senior years, worked very hard over my life and I too see a place that deserves my consideration for my financial legacy. Bless these people. They need a lot of land and veterinary care. And also…bless the mahout who stayed by this elephant’s side and who helped him (presumably) adjust and thrive to a life free of chains.

[@user-fs5lc2dl7t]

And the heavens opened with tears of joy in this new freedom!!!

[@raminkhajavi9513]

Break the chains, cages, fences, and walls!

[@beverlykorte8581]

Agree with you ✌🏻

[@fructosecornsyrup5759]

Chains, yes. Animals deserve to be taken care of and protected. But some species are going extinct, and sometimes living in the wild or even in sanctuaries isn't a feasible option to preserve them; in the wild they have to forage to find food, they are subject to the climate, poachers, diseases, predators, random holes in the ground, and a variety of other things that a good zoo would cut out entirely. Zoo animals are well-fed and have access to veterinary care 24/7, plus they are protected from predators and don't have to worry about poachers.

[@raminkhajavi9513]

@@fructosecornsyrup5759 yes i know already. I was trying to be poetic, and a more ideal world. Elephants probably better in sanctuaries, as they travel hundreds of miles in herds, in nature, or used to.

[@secretariatgirl4249]

A beautiful moment for eternity...

[@olivedog1880]

Beautiful, compassionate, sensitive, intelligent animals, u can see it in their eyes

[@grahamebelton9832]

Beautiful creature

[@myronsevera345]

How can people be so cruel as to chain a beautiful creature of God?

[@Kolfonik]

Because god also create cruel people.

[@janjbowman]

Myron Severa the same people that condone aborting human babies .GOD didn’t create cruel people . People make choices outside GODS will every day....but they will pay for it if they refuse to repent.

[@mrs.reeves1006]

Wow....those that led into captivity shall go into captivity 😏

[@MrMyers758]

@@janjbowman Sorry to break your view of the world, but as a person who is in support of womans right to remove a clump of unthinking, unfeeling stem cells from her body (which god also supports in Numbers 5, see also Hosea 9:11-16 where your lovely God will kill children himself), I am disgusted by people who would mistreat any animal, no matter its beauty, intelligence or lack thereof. So once again, I apologise, but the world isn't as good vs evil as you'd like.

[@oliviamonkey]

They used to tread blacks like this too, imagine. ( so-called good christians ) do this.

[@sheilamillar6592]

How could anyone put such a beautiful, gentle and intelligent creature in chains.? Barbaric They always have times when it looks like they are crying

[@mariechristinegrimand7319]

AMOUR AMOUR AMOUR FOR ALL ANIMALS !!!!! BRAVO !!!!! YOU ARE WONDERFUL PERSONS !!!! FROM FRANCE WITH ALL MY LOVE FOR THEM AND FOR YOU !!!!!

[@NVRAMboi]

What a magnificently noble creature. He immediately felt when the first chains were removed from his right foot and verified it by feeling that spot with his trunk.

[@deViant14]

Yes they would have to have fine senses with such a big surface area to keep track of.

[@Cheere]

poor elephant, we shall save them, not use them to dead. So nice LOVE TO THE FREDDOM HAPPY ELEPHANT

[@shendaraalshedir1933]

Elephant or any Animal, NO Animal should ever lived chained or caged-- except for monster humans. You go walk free now baby & have the life you always deserved! 🤗🐘🐾🌈

[@steu.k.6114]

Beautiful sight to behold. Never should humans treat animals like this. I’m not an emotional bloke but the sight of her walking away got me.

[@susanflowers6282]

What a Beautiful story! Thank you for sharing it! it truly is heartbreaking to hear how people can be so abusive to God's creation.

[@chowyewwah1643]

Thank you for the kind-hearted people especially the westerners who have the hearts for the wild animals.

[@magicti]

What can you say,that you don't feel in your heart,and the tear's that are streaming from your eyes x

[@debbie7526]

freedom! 🐘

[@reesiewholecupnopieces5409]

Thank GOD! I LOVE ELEPHANTS🐘🐘 😢

[@charlie6629]

Such a humble beast. Say's let's get away from those chains. She knew immediately what they were doing and she won't forget.

[@kathrynmiller9622]

Bless you for freeing This Magnificent animal. He is so beautiful!

[@user-li1eo7mt4z]

Бедный слон ,как мне их жалко ,я их так люблю ,и вообще всех животных и детей .

[@cher280z]

Unchain these 🐘! Set them free!🐘

[@animalsareloveandhappiness4505]

Wonderful for this gentle giant🙏🐘🙏🐘💖💞🐘🙏🐘🙏🌿🌿🌿🌽🍉🍉 where is the pumpkin? LOVE elephants.🤗🤗😇😇🤗💖💞

[@kurtsherrick2066]

Wow he follows the man that took off the chains. That was beautiful. Praise God for these people who Rescue these magnificent intelligent creatures. It shows the the evil and good in the World. So happy he is free!

[@ntdtv]

Hi Rowan, Vladimir here with NTD Television. Our team was very impressed by your videos and our editors would like to showcase them by uploading and crediting you on some of our social media pages and websites so that our fans can see it. We are one of the world's fastest growing media companies with over 100 million fans and 1 billion monthly video views across all of our social properties. Our motto is truth, hope, and humanity. Can I send you more information in my next message / email? Thank you! Warm regards

[@henryreese7236]

The chains are off but it still follows quietly behind the mahout. Some chains are difficult to unlock.

[@altafhussainnadaf873]

Yes dam true

[@johnnyofthesticks7260]

thankfully he is NOW free.... couldnt wait any longer.

[@cindywitter9741]

Elephants need to be elephants, wild should always stay wild. Such a gentle giant. I adore elephants, they teach us so much, especially about family and how important they are.

[@sunnyskye1106]

And everyone is crying. Including the elephant. And me. lol

[@hairschoolgirl5953]

I am also wanting to know, what about the wire around his neck???? But it's wonderful to not have the chains. It's awesome how he turns to follow the man that removed his chains ❤❤❤

[@sophiachandekar4731]

Many thanks for removing chains.

[@myamerica348]

The tears of this magnificent beast made me cry. I pray for a long happy life

[@gerhardrinkens2115]

did they not notice that the cord around his neck was getting too tight and should be loosened or better yet taken off entirely...?

[@1operamom]

So the elephant goes off following his owner. There was no mark on the ankles from supposed years of wearing a chain. This was fluff for tourists and a way to make some money. But the elephant at least looks well fed and not abused, so that is something.

[@truecullurz872]

1operamom I noticed the same thing.... No mark on the area of where the chains on its leg were.

[@MrChiangching]

and, like someone mentioned the chains were too flimsy.

[@kitkat3464]

Free to be an elephant and not a tourist attraction. Peace for you beautiful giant.

[@shanefistell8890]

Oh please:His right hind ankle has an unmistakable and conspicuous scar! As if this is a hoax!

[@annehaight9963]

@proteusx Tourism provides the money that makes elephant conservation possible and pays people like this elephant's mahout to take care of the elephant.

[@onixtorres487]

354 pouchers gave this video a thumbs down shame on you these are majestic. Animals who deserve to be free.

[@margaretormerod6943]

What a magic moment and amazing to witness this. Such a noble beast and a big thank you.

[@bowiestones1]

I've been an Elephant activist since childhood when I witnessed a chained Elephant at a Circus. This wonderful creature was not set free, it was regathered within hours. Don't pay Mahoots for anything

[@chrisdeason4904]

Yes he followed him into the bush to be rechained,its a show..?