Deep in the forests of Northern Thailand, a little girl named Leck was walking through

the brush next to her elephant friend, Tongkang.

A light drizzle fell on the thick green leaves all around them both.

Then, Tongkang stopped and tapped Leck's head with his trunk.

She knew what he wanted.

Leck took a banana from her bag and offered it up.

Tongkang grabbed the fruit with his trunk and tossed it into his mouth, his tail swinging.

Then he let out a low rumbling sound of appreciation as Leck pet his grey leathery skin.

This was their very special way of communicating with each other.

This was their way of saying thank you.

I love you and you're safe with me.

I'm Sarah Sue and this is Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, a fairy tale podcast about

the real life rebel women who inspire us.

On this episode, sang to and leck Thailand, the founder of the elephant nature park in Northern

Thailand.

Leck has rescued and rehabilitated over 200 Asian elephants and has created a loving sanctuary

where they can live in peace and harmony.

Sangdeon Chailot was born in 1961 in a remote village called Ban Lau.

Everyone called her Leck, a Thai word for small one.

His grandfather was a shaman or healer and after he helped save someone's life, he was

gifted with an elephant named Tongkang.

Leck and Tongkang loved exploring the wilderness together.

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