Stray Elephant Adopted by Thai Temple

The Heartwarming Rescue of "Boon Lott"

In an extraordinary act of kindness, Wat Pha Luang Ta Bua (Tiger Temple) in Kanchanaburi, Thailand, has adopted a ​severely injured stray elephant named ​Boon Lott ("Survivor" in Thai). The ​700kg, 25-year-old male was found wandering near the Myanmar border in ​critical condition—starving, dehydrated, and with deep wounds from poacher snares.

Monks at the temple, already known for sheltering rescued tigers, refused to turn him away. Now, Boon Lott is thriving under their care, becoming a ​symbol of Buddhist compassion and Thailand’s growing wildlife protection movement.

🐘 Boon Lott’s Journey: From Near-Death to Sanctuary

Day 1: The Rescue

• Found: Collapsed near ​Sai Yok National Park, trunk tangled in a rusted wire trap.
• Condition:Infected wounds on legsSevere malnutrition (ribs visible)Dehydration (no water for days)

Emergency Care

✔ Vets from Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) rushed to treat him.
✔ Monks chanted blessings while IV fluids were administered.
✔ Temple volunteers built a ​custom shelter within 24 hours.

📌 Miraculous Moment: On Day 3, Boon Lott ​stood on his own—a sign of recovery.

🙏 Why a Buddhist Temple? The Sacred Bond

In Thai Buddhism, elephants symbolize:
✔ Strength & Wisdom (associated with Lord Buddha’s birth legends)
✔ Karmic Redemption (saving an animal earns spiritual merit)

Phra Acharn Sin, the head monk, stated:
"We cannot ignore suffering, whether human or animal. Boon Lott is now under the Buddha’s protection."

🌿 Life at the Temple: A New Beginning

Daily Routine

⏰ 5:30 AM: Joins monks on ​alms rounds (carries offerings in a symbolic role).
⏰ 9:00 AM: ​Herbal baths with turmeric for wound healing.
⏰ 3:00 PM: ​Forest walks with mahouts (no riding—temple policy).

Special Care

✔ Ayurvedic treatments: Neem leaf poultices for scars.
✔ Emotional healing: Bonds with a ​rescued dog named Dum (they sleep side by side).

📸 Viral Content: A video of Boon Lott ​trunk-hugging a monk has ​5M+ TikTok views.

**⚠️ Controversy & Challenges**

While the temple’s actions are praised, critics raise concerns:
❌ Limited expertise in elephant care (vs. specialized sanctuaries like ​Elephant Nature Park).
❌ Tourism risks: Will Boon Lott become a "photo prop"? (Temple vows ​no exploitation).

Temple’s Response:
"We consult with NGOs daily. His health comes first."

How You Can Help

• Donate to WFFT Thailand (www.wfft.org) for medical funds.
• Volunteer: Assist with Boon Lott’s care (apply via temple website).
• Spread Awareness: Share his story with #SaveBoonLott.

Conclusion: A Testament to Kindness

Boon Lott’s rescue reminds us that compassion transcends species. His journey—from agony to peace—mirrors Buddhism’s core teaching: "All beings deserve safety and love."