Woman Becomes Part of Elephant Herd | Wild Thailand | BBC Earth

Lek has rescued many abused and domesticated elephants in Thailand. She looks after them in her sanctuary and has formed a deep and personal bond with the elephants she helps.
Subscribe: bit.ly/BBCEarthSub
#BBCEarth #WildThailand
Watch more:
Planet Earth bit.ly/PlanetEa...
Blue Planet bit.ly/BluePlan...
Planet Earth II bit.ly/PlanetEa...
Planet Dinosaur bit.ly/PlanetD...
Wild Thailand
Go beyond Thailand's beaches. Wild Thailand reveals a sacred kingdom of awe-inspiring beauty. It takes in the towering limestone cliffs, the paddy fields, the hidden temples and the teeming city of Bangkok, before visiting the forests of the north. Each episode is packed with wildlife. While full moon parties get underway on the beaches of Ko Pha-Ngan, a dazzling light show takes place on the island's reefs. In Bangkok, we meet the animals that have made this urban environment their home.
Welcome to BBC EARTH! The world is an amazing place full of stories, beauty and natural wonder. Here you'll find 50 years worth of entertaining and thought-provoking natural history content. Dramatic, rare, and exclusive, nature doesn't get more exciting than this.
Want to share your views with the team? Join our BBC Studios Voice: www.bbcstudios...
This is a commercial page from BBC Studios. Service information and feedback: bbcworldwide.co...

[@diamondbuyers]

Lek deserves a noble prize for all the work she has done saving elephants

[@TheLakshmiKarthik]

Gaining a trust of a elephant is the Ultimate sign of persons character 🙏🏽

[@EnchantedwithPoodles]

It’s nice to see Lek and her elephants featured here on BBC. Lek runs “Elephant Nature Park,” where the rescued elephants are taken. There are even a few adorable young calves and mothers. The videos are wonderful on KZbin on two channels, “Elephant News” and “Eleflix.”

[@FitzMastaflex]

I hope she lives to grow old and happy with her family. What an amazing human being!

[@TheStoneymoses]

This story deserves a full length film. I felt this segment was only a beginning 😔

[@kimberleypex]

Agree , I could look for many hours . This is a 🌿feel good video🌿

[@juliacheetham6854]

Love & Bananas: An Elephant Story by Ashley Bell This is the full length feature about Lek

[@TheStoneymoses]

@@juliacheetham6854 Thank you so much ❤️

[@JD-et1in]

Here is the KZbin channel of the sanctuary she runs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rV60doVsg9lqaa8 This is Lek with the elephant who loves her the most and who follows her seemingly everywhere she goes 🥰

[@careyostrer6193]

I think there is a film just released called Elephant Mother, (2022), it seems to be touring at the mo, just saw Lek and the film will be in Australia in Aug ‘23

[@HarryThomasPictures]

Elephants have a lot of the same complex emotions we have, they are lovely!

[@OriginalMomo]

If anyone deserves a herd membership, it’s definitely her. 🥰🥰🥰

[@thatguyjimmie]

Johnny Depp needs herd immunity

[@mikewilkins2030]

You can’t tell me that being a billionaire is more special than being apart of an elephant herd! Life isn’t about things, its about the connection and love communicated between beings! And Thailand is just beautiful lol Bless the ppl who help animals!

[@LipstickNWhiskey]

Best comment! Money comes and goes, but the bonds we form are special and long lasting.

[@beanloyal5696]

Give me the billions

[@mikewilkins2030]

@@beanloyal5696 beauty about life. We all have free moral agency, free to choose and live how you want. If money makes you happy, good for you!

[@beepboop4016]

Or the guys who’s a part of a lion pride

[@JustMe-vk4fn]

:) The best things in life aren't things at all. We feed the squirrels and birds here and there's days when the blue jays arrive early and start yelling at us from the patio to "get up" and get outside. Now if we could only teach them to fetch coffee. :D

[@jenniferjohnston5613]

To watch Lek with not only the elephants but also the hundreds of other rescued animal residents of ENP (Elephant Nature Park, Thailand) feels like watching pure love. Together with her husband (Darrick, a Canadian), the ENP staff, medical team, and mahouts (elephant caretakers), along with volunteers and supporters not only from Thailand but around the globe, she has built a sanctuary that boggles the mind both for the healing and life it offers the animals and in how gently and beautifully the work is accomplished. Her life's work is staggering in its accomplishments and she is a role model for how one person, with focus and determination, can find the resources and strategies to make a difference for animals, humans, and our planet. And while her work comes with a substantial personal burden, she is able to summon so much joy at the same time. How lucky we are to have people like Khun Lek in this world.

[@careyostrer6193]

100%, well said

[@beatricecallan]

Amen to that! Lek is a real hero/ine and an angel at the same time!!

[@suchitkshirsagar7332]

That image of an elephant pushing her to lead is beautiful

[@orcaJayP]

Thank you for featuring Lek and her amazing work and dedicated advocacy for Asian elephants. 💜 DO NOT pay to ride elephants, force them to paint, dance or entertain you in any manner. They are individuals with the right to live an elephants life with family love and care.

[@peggywerner5205]

What an incredible woman. She is an Angel saving the elephants from cruel torture. Whether it's from working or the terrible side show. Bless her and all the elephants she saves that they always stay free from cruelty. Bless you.

[@Star_Lion_33]

What a special, inspirational and amazing woman! The greatest deeds we humans can ever do is acts of love, kindness and compassion to all living beings. This is our duty and purpose. To be of service to and to care for all of Earth's animals. 💚💜🐾🙏🕊🐘🐘

[@twonumber22]

That's right. Biodiversity is Earth's greatest asset.

[@Khaos07]

Definitely. And now let's examine what our species is doing in reality....

[@beatricecallan]

That‘s exactly my life credo!! ❤🙏🏼

[@cintronproductions9430]

This made my day, bless this wonderful lady and those beautiful elephants. We need more people in the world like her. :)

[@lisabaker5716]

Lek is an amazing woman

[@desertdragon2397]

These are such sensitive and delicate animals despite their size. Blessed Be to all humans that value animals for their innate worth.

[@maggdale]

Please support Lek in saving and protecting these elephants at Elephant Nature Park

[@TsunamiVT]

This needs to be in the millions of views already.. Im tired of waiting.

[@jamesdooling4139]

Extraordinarily special. To have such a bond must be awesome. You can see they love and want to protect her just as she has done to them.

[@cintaindonesia6382]

May God bless Lek and her sanctuary...

[@veroniqueboulvard6315]

Oh Lek.... Beautiful Lek.... ❤️ You are responsible for my emotional tears of joy respect and love that came up..... For anyone who wants to see the wonder of this golden woman you can visit in KZbin the official 🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘🐘 " Elephant News" Channel and also the "Eleflix" Channel.....Of course she is in FB and Instagram. All the world needs to see her work....She is working hard since she was a teenager to change the mentality and the habits of the locals and also the tourist industry who stubbornly continues the elephant rides or attractions and shows.... Tourists support financial a huge crime by enjoying all these.....Elephants have been victims of humans for centuries. Under slavery they are working or begging on the streets of Asian countries or suffering in circuses. All these demands the first "breaking" of the young elephant, babies actually. They keep them tied up and torture them bit them and let them without food or water until they surrender themselves by fear to the man who wants to exploit them.... This torture can last weeks. Many young elephants die from the physical and psychological torture and pressure. People need to be aware and help in any way they can wonders like Lek to continue the great fight for liberation of the victims. The victims of cruelty greed and trafficking. We can be all together in this by helping pioneers like Lek💖🐘🐘🐘

[@beatricecallan]

❤❤❤❤❤ Amen 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@sebastians.9821]

Completely heart warming. Also all those influencers riding elephants should be shamed.

[@cintronproductions9430]

Yeah, people should realize that just because elephants are big and strong doesn't mean their backs are designed to carry the weight of a person. :(

[@mokko759]

@@cintronproductions9430 More than just the weight factor, it's how the elephant calves are trained to allow riders. It's absolutely barbaric what they do to these elephants. Isolating them from their mothers, starving them, beating them, tying them down into an unnatural position for days on end. It's revoltingly cruel. Never ride an elephant!

[@hoosierpioneer]

The problem is, if I had never ridden and petted an elephant at a carnival, I wouldn't be facinated by them now. How do we capture children's attention to them in a humane way?

[@mokko759]

@@hoosierpioneer There's nothing inherently harmful about petting an elephant but riding one is unacceptable. Carnivals and circuses are unacceptable. We know better now. Seeing elephants interact with their herds and environments as naturally as possible should inspire people to love elephants, not seeing them tortured into performing stupid tricks or giving rides. Reputable zoos and sanctuaries do an incredible job of giving the elephants the best possible life in captivity while still educating the public and inspiring younger generation.

[@hoosierpioneer]

@@mokko759 I was a naive kid and thought they were raised like my puppy and that they enjoy working for us. I couldn't tell by looking at them at the carnival what they had been through.

[@filmcrew3531]

Lek is an international treasure. Love Lek's work. #SaveTheElephantsSaveTheWorld

[@mr.silent6055]

That's real happiness.

[@animals44485]

Yes

[@kimberleypex]

BEAUTIFUL ! This woman is blessed, the elephant s are saved 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿🌿

[@Lotus201877]

A little bit of kindness can go a long way 😊

[@WildlifeThroughLens]

Gentle Giants 🐘❤

[@martinsamuda-cowan8099]

what an amazing woman

[@_m1mosa]

I admire the elephants. They still dare to love a human after all the labor and trauma.

[@tanweerulhaq1101]

Just felt my own freedom just looking at her 😍😍

[@LipstickNWhiskey]

Elephants 🐘 are my favorite animal! Bless her for saving them. 💕

[@noeltimberlake165]

I need a towel because my heart has melted watching this.

[@WJen8]

Good for her. Doing good things for this world. 🙏

[@purehyper124]

This is sweet and heart breaking.

[@Julianthe1970]

Love that BBC did another special on our favorite and most adored Khun Lek Chailert, sharing this with my family and friends :)

[@naui_diver9290]

This is beautiful

[@animals44485]

Wow

[@babyjhari]

I hope the coverage for this episode will be longer ❤god bless Lek and all the elephant foundation that helps rescue these gentle giants.

[@asha8443]

What a beautiful person with such a big heart. 🙏🏼

[@twotofourfoot2820]

We all need to be like Lek.

[@kthearcher3357]

How beautiful ❤️

[@beatricecallan]

Lek is my biggest female hero for animals!! She is an angel for these precious and tortured souls!! ❤❤ How I wish I could visit this sanctuary once!!

[@kaulis6524]

This is so sweet and special!❤️

[@dkelban]

They're more human and forgiving than we are

[@judithkramer4007]

I'm shedding tears just thinking how these beautiful and majestic creatures were abused. But, more importantly, I would love to meet Lek and work side by side with her. I do feel a connection with abused and neglected animals of all species. I've devoted my entire adult life to rescuing and rehoming every single animal that crossed my path. I worked for the CT Humane Society as secretary of the law enforcement department typing up warrants for abusing, neglecting, etc. any animal or animals that I received a phone call for. Such gratifying work. Now, as I'm in my 60's, I can just watch and admire people such as this WONDERFUL AND LOVING LEK, speak up for those who cannot. GOD BLESS YOU LEK AND ALL OF YOUR ELEPHANT CHILDREN. MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU FOR SAVING ALL THESE LIVES.

[@lovenikolatesla846]

So honorable what she's doing heartfelt 💜🐘🙏

[@GGabe_]

Any elephant lovers here? 🖐️🐘

[@purecountry6672]

🥰

[@haveaseatmarj]

Magical

[@Skully317]

A beautiful story indeed, just wish it was longer.

[@n-silvabts9178]

Lek is a bless to this world! We need to protect her at all costs. Her work is priceless.

[@nickydenny7256]

You need to do a full programme following Lek and ENP. The world needs to see this.

[@Chloe11501]

I wish I could be part of their herd ❤️ 🐘

[@kaymoil1912]

Elephants are my favorite, highly intelligent.

[@zalimoonali4571]

Yes I am a lover of elephants

[@Bluesidian]

Bless this woman and her work.

[@Boo-pv4hn]

It’s beautiful people do things like this! I’m this is a project that deserves funds unlike a lot of the organisations that claim to want to make a difference people on the ground are making that difference

[@julesverne2509]

I bet it's an amazing feeling to have an elephant love you back.

[@peanuts1173]

Amazing story!🐘❤️ Yes let them roam free!

[@EokaBeamer69]

My heart is filled with joy after watching this beautiful video.

[@rayperez5918]

I’m jealous! This lady is very lucky!

[@jeremy1860]

Elephants are such wonderful animals 😊

[@peterjarosciak3305]

Veľmi krasne video. Slony su úchvatné zvierata . Len ich tiež ubyva a su vystavene pytlliakom pre kly . Preto ich treba viac chranit .

[@suzettebanerjee3372]

The feeling, the satisfaction must be of simply another level !!! I feel so jealous.

[@anupamchouhan3801]

Elephants find humans cute. The same way we find puppies cute .

[@janajacoby3391]

So beautiful! She's such a great person! ❤🙏 These fabulous animals deserve all of our love, respect and protection! ❤️🐘❤️

[@julesverne2509]

One day we will find out that elephants are conscious just like we are. I just hope they're still alive when we do.

[@TanyaQueen182]

This was so wholesome and beautiful. There's a special place in Heaven for Lek, and others like her. Thank you Lek, for what you do.

[@Vip__honey]

love elephant 🐘 ❤

[@TheNuprin711]

I am seriously bawling. To much feels.

[@turkeyman100]

Bro, imagine actually being friends and being loved by a herd of elephants. I envy this woman.

[@fivestar7120]

Amazing! Elephants and lions are my favorite wildlife and I hate the abuse of all species

[@smallone9825]

All these medals we in the UK give out which should be for bravery,changing the world and just being a special human and most of them that go out are for ridiculous reasons then there's this lady who definitely deserves a medal. Thank you Lek for everything you do you are a very special lady may you live a long,happy,healthy life ❤ ♥

[@harrietking8768]

I am utterly speechless. Beautiful

[@richardjohnson5529]

As Chris Packham says that is what you pay your TV licence for, from one wonderful Human to another

[@silverxiclus7608]

4:43 It looked like the elephant was smiling and it heartwarming.

[@ZITR0ENCHEN]

Thanks for the beautiful footage

[@stagger5863]

This are beautiful beyond ❤️

[@Michael-dy7zp]

Great Lady.

[@Noukz37]

I'm not crying, YOU'RE CRYING!!

[@emmajaneofhawaii7867]

Lek is a beautiful woman.

[@lovepet4565]

I love LEK😊

[@DonDuracell]

Her channel here on KZbin is called "Elephantnews" if you want to see more.

[@JD-nd1oz]

Lek's work with ENP and Gentle Giants is amazing. Her latest project at Chock Chai Thailand, (Lek is helping a previous elephant circus show owners), has adopted her new method of caring for elephants - no chain and saddle off. We tourists can support these projects visit them, to see happy elephants and to turn the tide and stop elephant slavery and abuse, with our pockets and feet. 💝🐘💝

[@user-mo8dh3zg9g]

This video deserves to be a longer documentary , Lek has a new documentary called Elephant Mother being shown today in different countries . Lek is the most inspirational and humanitarian! Please visit ENP - ethical sanctuary in Thailand. It is life changing forever! ❤️🐘

[@sriramachandramurthypheelk8902]

Beautiful Thai land , With Excellent elephants 👍💐💐i 🙏🎤

[@JJ-kj1xt]

Lek is an amazing Woman!

[@andreatainui5601]

Our earth elephant angel Lek 🐘💚

[@promathews]

Video must be at least 10 mnt..Love to watch it.. Extraordinary..🌺💓🌱

[@wendelynanderson9517]

Lek is my hero

[@thesocialcommenter5004]

We all need to Love the beautiful creatures of the Lord.. and be their Friend. Thanks for sharing this wonderful video. I highly Respect this Girl and her work.

[@Andrea-ho8uv]

So beautiful

[@LeprosuGnome]

Such bealtiful animals

[@TheNuprin711]

I'm crying. I know you are too.

[@vivian3829]

Que hermosura adoro los elefantes 🥰🥰que maravillosa es vivir cerca de ellos🤗🐘🐘👍😉que lamentable que allá gente enferma que los casa aún o los daña🤨😕

[@MultiGangus]

That’s amazing

[@liviacotto7647]

Wonderful lady

[@komodowildernest]

Inspiration and good luky

[@gregberry7647]

I love lek.

[@elizadaphne5501]

Pure Love 🙏🌾🌿

[@soheilak6208]

How touching

[@oliverm7138]

People do not even realise how much of human history would never have happened if it wasn't for elephants. For the past four thousand years they have been used in warfare, construction, transport and religion. They shaped empires and felled many more. They were not just beasts of burden but idols and deities.