Rescued Elephants BunMa and Chaba Mark Five Years of Sanctuary Life
Mother and calf continue to thrive half a decade after leaving a riding camp for a life of freedom.
Five years ago, a young elephant named Chaba and her teenage mother, BunMa, left behind their old lives at an elephant show and riding camp in Chiang Mai.
Their journey took them into the care of a true sanctuary, where they have lived safely and freely ever since.
Chaba was born on 17 May 2021. Her early days were shaped by that difficult environment, but the move to sanctuary changed everything for both her and her mother.
The milestone celebrates the compassion and commitment behind their rescue, and the bond between mother and calf that has only grown stronger over time.
The anniversary marks the work of Save Elephant Foundation, an Ecoflix partner, which helped bring the pair out of an unethical setting and into a place where they could simply be elephants.
After five years, BunMa and Chaba stand as a hopeful reminder of what a life of dignity and freedom can look like for elephants once used for entertainment.
Their story continues to inspire supporters who believe rescued animals deserve the chance to live on their own terms.
You can watch the story of their freedom and follow their journey through the sanctuary that has become their home.