Sangduen “Lek” Chailert: Thailand’s Elephant Whisperer and Advocate
Sangduen “Lek” Chailert is a renowned animal rights advocate and entrepreneur from Thailand, widely celebrated for her lifelong dedication to the protection and welfare of Asian elephants. Known affectionately as Thailand’s “Elephant Whisperer,” Chailert has transformed her passion into action by founding the Elephant Nature Park and the Save Elephant Foundation, two pioneering initiatives committed to rescuing abused elephants and raising global awareness about their plight.
Early Life and Inspiration
Born in 1961 in the northern mountain village of Baan Lao, Thailand, Lek grew up immersed in a close relationship with animals. Her grandfather, a shaman who healed both people and animals, inspired her deep respect for nature. From a young age, Chailert helped care for injured animals, but it was at sixteen that she witnessed firsthand the cruel mistreatment elephants endured—forced to haul heavy logs through jungles—igniting her mission to protect these gentle giants. After completing her education at Chiang Mai University, she dedicated herself to improving the lives of elephants suffering from abuse.
Advocacy and Achievements
Chailert’s work centers on rescuing elephants from harsh labor, circuses, and exploitation in tourism. Elephant Nature Park, her 250-acre sanctuary, offers a haven where over 200 elephants live free from chains and abuse, alongside other rescued animals like dogs. The adjoining Save Elephant Foundation supports conservation efforts and enables volunteers worldwide to engage as Elephant Ambassadors. Her approach treats elephants not as mere animals but as sentient beings deserving dignity and respect.
Her advocacy has garnered international acclaim, featuring in documentaries by National Geographic, BBC, and Animal Planet. She has been honored as a "Hero of the Planet" by the Ford Foundation and received prestigious awards such as the Genesis Award and France’s Legion d’Honneur.
Legacy and Continuing Mission
Despite challenges, including regulatory hurdles that forced relocation of Elephant Nature Park, Chailert remains steadfast in raising awareness about the mental and physical trauma elephants endure. Her message emphasizes that elephants thrive in the wild—not as performers or laborers—and calls on people worldwide to educate themselves and others about ethical treatment of wildlife. Her enduring legacy is not just the sanctuaries she built but the global movement she inspires to see elephants as family, deserving compassion and protection.
marla friedman Sculptures
Marla Friedman's sculptural tribute to Lek Chailert and Her Beloved Elephants is in concert with Lek Chailert and Elephant Nature Park; and philanthropist David Casselman, Founder of the Cambodia Wildlife Sanctuary and Founder Chairman of Ecoflix, the world's first not for profit media group, dedicated to saving animals and the planet. Mr. Casselman is also producer of 'Love and Bananas', the 2018 Academy Award nominated film documenting Lek Chailert's riveting and transformative elephant rescue mission in Thailand. It is this extraordinary film that inspired the associatiion of like minded David Casselman and Marla Friedman and the creation of her sculptures, 'Lek and Her Beloved Elephants' and 'Lullaby'. Lek Chailert has also been honored by sculpture patron, philanthropist and film producer Steve Sarowitz with Marla Friedman's sensitive sculptural rendering, 'Embrace, Lek and Her Adored Elephant'.