Bi-Monthly Lek’s Talk Series: Ep1 “Elephant and Tree”

Everyone has the power to protect the natural world

and that true change begins with our empathy. – Lek Chailert

Saengduean “Lek” Chailert is a world – renowned elephant conservationist whose love for animals began in her childhood in Northern Thailand, when her grandfather, a traditional healer, was gifted an elephant named Thong Kham. That bond became the heart of her life’s work.

After witnessing the cruelty suffered by elephants in the tourism and logging industries, Lek individually began offering care and medical aid to injured elephants in remote villages. Her mission grew into a movement. In 2003, she founded Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary where rescued elephants — many elderly, disabled, or abused — now live freely in natural herds, forming deep friendships and healing in peace.

A Voice for Elephants, A Guide for the Next Generation.

Lek’s voice for elephants has reached audiences around the world, and she has become a guiding light for a new generation passionate about protecting animals and nature. She frequently speaks at international youth forums and universities, using education to spark compassion and change. 

In recent years, she has shared her message at the United Nations’ Emerging World Leaders Forum in Bangkok, at the University of Western Australia, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, and Thai institutions such as Chiang Mai Rajabhat University and international schools. Her lectures and Q&A sessions inspire young people to think critically about wildlife exploitation, climate, and sustainability. Her commitment has been recognized globally. Lek has been featured by several media and honored with numerous international awards, including:

  • Ford Foundation’s Hero of the Planet (2001)
  • TIME Magazine’s Hero of Asia (2005)
  • Genesis Awards (2003 & 2019) – Humane Society of the United States
  • Women Heroes of Global Conservation (2010) – U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
  • Legion d’Honneur (2022) – awarded by French President Emmanuel Macron

Contact Us

Elephant Nature Park Office

1 Ratmakka Road, Phra Sing,

Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Office Hours: 07:00-17:00 Mon-Sun. (GMT+7)

Tel: +66 (0) 53 272855, +66 (0) 825573380, +66 (0)53 270855

GPS 18.7849572, 98.9927558

Email: info@elephantnaturepark.org

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© 2025 All Rights Reserved Elephant Nature Park | Privacy Policy

Follow Us

Elephant Nature Park Social Media

Saengduean Lek Chailert Social Media

Contact Us

Elephant Nature Park Office

1 Ratmakka Road, Phra Sing,

Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Office Hours: 07:00-17:00 Mon-Sun. (GMT+7)

Tel: +66 (0) 53 272855, +66 (0) 825573380, +66 (0)53 270855

GPS 18.7849572, 98.9927558

Email: info@elephantnaturepark.org

© 2025 All Rights Reserved Elephant Nature Park | Privacy Policy