posted August 04, 2009 10:32 AM         

Sangduen Chailert, known as "Lek" (which means 'small' in her native dialect), was born into a remote mountain community in Northern Thailand in the 1960's. Her maternal grandfather was a tribal man of the forest and Lek's jungle forays with him led to an early and organic understanding of the wonders of nature. Her grandfather was given an elephant as a gift when Lek was 5, for saving a man's life and it is from this early interaction with these majestic animals that Lek developed her inutitive understanding of their vast intellgence. Elephants are known as "Earth's Record Keepers" as are Whales for the sea.

Against a backdrop of poverty Lek obtained a university education - something practically unique considering her circumstances - and despite extreme financial difficulties she succeeded in founding Elephant Nature Park in 1996.

Meeting "Lek" in the bustle of her office in Chiang Mai, Thailand, we sat down to hear her story and passionate quest to provide sanctuary for elephants who have suffered a lifetime of abuse and harsh working conditions.

Lek means small in Thai, but there is nothing small about this amazing woman who is not only the first woman from a hill tribe background to earn her PhD, she has created the most loving space for elephants to live freely and bond in natural groups. Lek's ability to "talk" to the elephants has enabled her to create trust, respect and love between them and their human care-takers.

In a stroke of divine timing, we arrived there just after the birth of Faa Mai (pronounced "Far My" - which means 'new sky') and had the rare opportunity of interacting with her under the watchful eye of Lek and mother Mae Bua Tong. Being next to Mae Bua Tong, playing with her new born baby, all 250 lbs of her, is a life changing experience and one that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. This kind of interaction is not possible after a few more weeks as the elephant is too strong and heavy to interact with in this way.

Elephant Nature Park is a unique project set in Northern Thailand. Established in the 1990's the aim has always been to provide a sanctuary and rescue centre for elephants. The park is set in Chiang Mai province, some 60km from the city, and has provided a sanctuary for over 30 distressed elephants from all over Thailand. Set in a natural valley, bordered by a river, and surrounded by forested mountains the area offers a timeless glimpse of rural life.

Currently 30 elephants are under her care at the Elephant Nature Park, which has had seven births since 1996. Anyone witnessing Lek with elephants will see a loving bond, closeness and a special understanding.Finally, to anyone who has seen the elephant painting videos, these are a the result of very cruel and consistent punishment at the end of barbed metal hooks and it is imperative that we stop purchasing them or supporting these organizations. What you don't see on those YouTube videos is the elephant urinating in fear as it is handed the paint brush.

To learn more about Lek, the elephants, tours and becoming a volunteer go to: www.elephantnaturepark.org

We would like to acknowledge Ray Martin and Nikki Ashley for their inspiration and assistance in organising our visit to Thailand. Ray is running the New York Marathon on November 1st to raise money for Lek and her Elephant Nature Park. Please visit his blog site and make your donation at http://thedailyexplorer.wordpress.com/