It’s hard to put into words the rollercoaster of emotions we’ve experienced with Unchained Elephants during this rescue mission. From hope to fear and, finally, pure joy, Kanoon’s remarkable journey to freedom has touched our hearts and resulted in a brighter future for him and our mission. Chained next to a garbage dump in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Kanoon, an elderly bull elephant, endured four brutal years of captivity marked by suffering, malnourishment, and isolation. But now, Kanoon’s name will be etched in history as the world’s first tokenized elephant!
Together, Unchained Elephants’ unwavering commitment to breaking free from traditional constraints led us to achieve the seemingly impossible: revolutionizing elephant conservation funding through Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) and crowdfunding. With this achievement, we’ve unchained not only Kanoon but also marked a historic moment in Thailand’s elephant welfare journey.
September 5th, 2023, forever etched in our memories, marks our very first elephant rescue. The 13-hour journey from Chiang Mai to Sukhothai tested our determination and resilience, knowing that Kanoon’s past suffering could stir strong emotions. Yet, we persevered, and our critical steps went smoothly.Â
The loading process, feared to be challenging, turned into a swift, surprisingly calm affair. Kanoon’s resilience shone as he embarked on this transformative journey, fully understanding the significance of his liberation. The journey wasn’t without its challenges, including an unexpected storm. However, Kanoon’s composure throughout was truly remarkable.
When we finally reached BLES at 8:30 pm, we were met with muddy, slippery roads and heavy rain. Guiding Kanoon to his night enclosure was a tense moment, but he displayed determination even when he slipped. It was a testament to his spirit and the beginning of a better life at BLES.
Kanoon’s next days at BLES were filled with awe-inspiring moments as he adapted to his new life. He socialized, enjoyed mud baths, and explored the sanctuary’s lush forest. A choice between his enclosure and the forest led to a brief adventure, highlighting the emotional complexity of his journey.
This historic rescue was only possible thanks to our major sponsors, donors, and your unwavering support. With Kanoon’s arrival at BLES, he’s on a journey of rediscovery, healing, and freedom, symbolizing hope for elephants like him.Â
