Everyone loves a cuddle, and Ele, a baby elephant, is no exception. Despite being just two weeks old, she already has a considerable presence—and she surprised her caretaker with an affectionate, oversized hug.
Captured on video, Ele approached her caretaker, Allie, who was seated cross-legged at Chai Lai Orchid, a nature retreat nestled in Thailand’s mountain range.
Watch the video at the end.
Without warning, the calf leaned in, bent her knees, and nestled her head and body right onto Allie’s lap.
Allie gasped in surprise, her laughter filled with joy as Ele wriggled and snuggled closer, making it a truly heartwarming moment.
The person filming the scene couldn’t help but exclaim, “Awww, that’s the shot!” as Allie gently patted Ele’s head and stomach, trying to wrap her arms around the playful calf. After a few blissful moments, Ele decided cuddle time was over and got back on her feet.
The footage, recorded in Chiang Mai’s scenic mountains, was later shared on YouTube with a caption explaining Allie’s special bond with Ele, whom she has cared for daily since birth. The post noted, “This was the first time that baby Ele fell on Allie’s lap.”
Chai Lai Orchid, where Ele lives, shares space with a larger elephant camp that houses twelve elephants, most of whom are required to carry tourists in the intense heat. Though Ele is too young for these rides now, she will soon be expected to join the daily work.
Chai Lai Orchid aims to raise funds to rescue these elephants and create a sanctuary where they can live freely.
According to a campaign page, the retreat hopes to show that tourists are willing to pay for experiences like feeding and bathing elephants rather than physically demanding rides.
Their vision is to give the elephants a peaceful life in the bamboo forest, with regular river baths and unhurried walks through nature.
Through this effort, Chai Lai Orchid hopes to provide Ele and her companions a haven where they can simply be elephants.
