Maliwan is an elephant, and Marina is a human, but this didn’t stop the pair from forming a special bond of friendship when they met in Surin, Thailand.
Sadly, the two friends lost touch when Maliwan’s owner began traveling around the country with the giant pachyderm, offering elephant rides and showing off the beautiful animal for a fee.
Maliwan suffered a serious trunk injury, so her owner sought the help of the Save the Elephant Foundation to help nurse her back to health. Fortunately, she healed well and regained full use of her trunk.
At Elephant Nature Park, Maliwan found a new home with new elephant friends. They play in the grasslands, bathe in the cool river, and enjoy delicious fruit feasts together.
She enjoys her newfound freedom, and her trunk has healed wonderfully. Even though she still carries scars, she can eat, drink, and grip objects like all the other elephants.
Almost eight years after they first met, Marina comes back to visit Maliwan in her new home. She sheds tears of overwhelming joy at seeing her friend so happy and loved.
What a beautiful testament to the bonds that can form between humans and animals! We hope Maliwan has a beautiful life with her new friends and her old friend Marina visits often.
