On June 24, 2023, Unchained Elephants embarked on its inaugural elephant rescue mission. Our primary focus was Kanoon, a resilient one-eyed bull elephant, located in Mae Tang, Chiang Mai. For four agonizing years, Kanoon had been subjected to short chains, enduring scorching sun, relentless rain, and a lack of sustenance. Our mission was unequivocal – we needed to intervene to liberate Kanoon, knowing that no one else would. The predicament he faced, being a bull elephant, made it clear that without assistance, he was destined for a life in the logging industry, a future we were determined to change. Our undertaking involved raising 650,000 baht ($19,118) to secure Kanoon's freedom and transfer him to a secure sanctuary. Throughout this journey, our community rallied alongside us, as we harnessed the potential of NFT sales and crowdfunding campaigns, each stride drawing us nearer to the goal of unchaining Kanoon.
RESCUE FUNDS FOR KANOON THE BULL ELEPHANT ACHIEVED!
As of the 14th August at 10.55pm our determination and with all your support got us to completing the rescue funds needed for Kanoon. Rounding up an amazing 661,852 baht ($19,466)! Our remarkable community and supporters, including the matching donation by Karl, pushed us beyond our target and making this possible for Kanoon, so we are truly grateful for all your generousity and support. Because of you Kanoon's path to a new life was set in motion. Currently, our team's focus is mainly on planning and executing Kanoon's rescue and relocation to his permanent home at the remarkable Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary in Sukhothai, Thailand.
We continue our commitment to supporting Kanoon's care at BLES, using surplus funds and donations to provide him with a nourishing "welcome buffet," healthcare, nutritious sustenance, and the dedicated attention of a mahout.
Kanoon's rescue symbolizes unity and hope, a testament to the remarkable support that made this transformation possible. Your contributions have been instrumental in rewriting his destiny and crafting a better future for these majestic creatures.
While we celebrate this success, preparing for Kanoon's rescue and relocation, our project continues.
Unchained Elephants was never solely about rescuing a single elephant; it was a project designed to create a sustainable approach to Asian elephant welfare in Thailand. Here, each supporter not only impacts these amazing creatures positively but also gains real-world utility to enjoy for their good deeds. Simultaneously, we've developed a business model that continues to rescue and save more Asian elephants in need, educate travelers and kids about the harsh reality of exploitative practices like elephant trekking and shows, while offering ethical alternatives. Our ultimate goal is to build an education center that provides enriching experiences for travelers and kids while also serving as a platform for teaching. Eventually, this will evolve into an educational hub, transforming local perspectives on elephant tourism into ethical practices.
As we continue to push forward, we're excited to continue our NFT projects and the development of our travel club site, providing tangible benefits to our NFT holders and supporters. Your unwavering support has been and continues to be a driving force, steering us toward a brighter future for elephants in Thailand just like Kanoon.
Save the Date! Kanoon's Walk to Freedom is just around the corner!
On 5th September, Kanoon will take his first steps towards a life of freedom, happiness, and healing at Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary (BLES) in Sukhothai! Your unwavering support has made this possible, and we can't wait to share this special moment with all of you! Stay tuned for more updates and mark your calendars!