Rescued on 20 April 2023

Meet Mali, a resilient elephant in her 40s whose incredible journey led her from the challenges of the logging and tourism industries to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Originally from Ranong in Southern Thailand, Mali’s journey began in the logging industry, where she spent most of her life pulling trees. Her path took her to Song Praek in the Phang Nga Province in 2015, and later to Phuket in 2019, where she worked in the tourism sector.

As the Covid-19 pandemic swept across the globe, elephant camps in Phuket closed down, prompting Mali (formerly known as Nam Chok) to relocate to Pattaya, continuing her work in tourism. However, on the 20th of April, we were able to purchase Mali and bring her back to Phuket – this time for good.

Mali has embraced sanctuary life with enthusiasm. Her inquisitive nature and insatiable curiosity shine as she explores the lush greens, indulges in mud baths along riverbanks, and discovers scents in her surroundings.

Mali’s resilience is remarkable. Her journey highlights the importance of providing a safe haven for elephants who have faced challenges in various industries. We are filled with gratitude for the support that has allowed Mali to thrive here with us at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary.