In the animal world, as in ours, compassion can create unbreakable bonds. This is perfectly illustrated by two rescued elephants, Alicia and Malai.
Despite Malai’s aversion to water, she still joins her blind friend Alicia for daily swims, ensuring she’s safe and happy. Let’s hear their heartwarming story!
When Alicia, a blind elephant, arrived at the sanctuary, she was ready to begin a new chapter in her life. This gentle giant had endured years of hardship at a trekking camp, where she was forced to work relentlessly.
Now free from her torturous past, Alicia longed for peace and the companionship of a friend. Her dreams started to become a reality the moment she met Malai Ngun.
Malai Ngun shared a similar past. Like Alicia, she was rescued from a harsh trekking camp, and she deeply understood the pain and longing for a new beginning that Alicia experienced.
From the moment Malai first saw Alicia, she felt an immediate bond. Determined to be there for her, Malai approached Alicia with a gentle rumble as if saying ‘You are safe here.’
Malai decided to stay close to Alicia, ensuring she never felt alone again. This marked the beginning of an inseparable friendship, as the two elephants found solace and joy in each other’s presence.
Together, these two best pals now roam the sanctuary, with Malai always leading the way to ensure Alicia’s safety. Tom Taylor, the center’s operations manager, reflects on their bond, sharing in an interview:
“Malai has a gentle demeanor and is close friends with other elephants, but will more or less stay by Alicia all day and night. Whenever Alicia leaves her sight, Malai calls for her – we’ll often see Malai running to her friend.”
Despite her blindness, Alicia is vibrant and sociable. While she navigates her world with remarkable confidence, she sometimes requires a little help and Malai is always there, ready to lend a helping trunk whenever needed.
One of Alicia’s greatest joys is swimming. Every day, she eagerly makes her way to the water, relishing the cool sensation on her skin.
But here’s a heartwarming twist: Malai hates water! Yet, this caring elephant guides her friend into the water each time to ensure she’s safe and happy, as Taylor shares:
“Most heart-warming of all is that Malai takes Alicia swimming – simply because she knows how much Alicia loves it. Whilst Malai isn’t a water baby, she will guide Alicia and make sure she is safe in the water.”
Despite her aversion to water, Malai goes to swim every day just for Alicia. Her willingness to confront something she dislikes just to see her friend smile shows how profound her love and dedication are.
This deep bond between them highlights how fortunate they are to have found one another. Their friendship is not just special – it’s truly inspirational.
In each other, they’ve found more than a friend; they’ve found a family. Though their pasts were marked by hardship, Alicia and Malai now spend their golden years in peace, enjoying every moment together.