Hi, my name is Aom, and I’m about 40 years old.
When I was young, my life began with training—learning acrobatics and performances before I was old enough to understand what was happening. As I grew older, I spent most of my life carrying tourists on my back. The training was demanding, and at times cruel, leaving deep emotional scars. I was separated from my calves again and again, and over time, I became fearful and withdrawn. There were moments when I couldn’t bear having people too close to me.
Even now, loud noises still frighten me. The sound of woodcutting or unfamiliar noises can send panic through my body, making me want to run. Once, I was so terrified by a strange sound that I bolted in fear and fell into a hole, badly injuring my leg.
Despite everything, I am a devoted mother. In 2023, I lost my beloved three-year-old calf, Luna, to Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV). It was a heartbreak that changed me forever, and the pain of losing her still lives in my heart.
My life began to change when I was brought to an elephant rescue park. Here, patience replaced pressure, and gentle care replaced fear. Slowly, day by day, I am learning that I am safe—that I don’t have to run anymore. This is where my healing journey truly began.
