Elephant Nature Park has rescued a mother and daughter pair of elephants. “Boon Ma, or Cherry, as she was called as a performer, now leaves the show floor behind her, where she would wake up every day to entertain tourists. The gigantic bike designed for an elephant will fall to disrepair, as the former rider sets out on a more natural path, and covid continues to dissuade the happy traveler from being amused at such venues. The bicycle terrified Boon Ma, as you may imagine, and many elephants end with crippling injuries from this type of activity. After the show, BoonMa, as others, would have to service customers in riding and other amusements until the gate closed. The day that she gave birth to her baby girl, she knew that her child would have a life no different than her own - chained, beaten, and then trained for performing and riding. But now a new life awaits. She is given the opportunity to be free with her little girl. The chains fall away, and while BoonMa carries the scars of a harsh life, her baby has better prospects than she could ever hope for. She walked out of the camp swiftly, leading her girl toward a new life. Now she lives at Elephant Nature Park, where she no longer is separated from her baby during a show or other work. Now she builds friendships with others who can comfort and protect them in a world that has always broken those essential bonds.”
