Save Elephant Foundation became involved after learning about Somboon’s circumstances. The Thai nonprofit works with captive elephants through rescue, rehabilitation and sanctuary programs and is closely associated with Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai. The foundation describes its mission as providing elephants in need with long-term care while also supporting rehabilitation and environments where rescued animals can live without returning to demanding work. Somboon became one of the elderly elephants brought into that system of care.
Her transfer took place at the end of January 2024. Updates shared during the rescue indicated that Somboon was leaving the location where she had worked and traveling to Elephant Nature Park, where the intention was for her to spend the remainder of her life without the responsibilities that had shaped her earlier decades. Posts documenting the journey appeared on January 29 and January 30, showing that the operation was
