Sangduen Chailert (Lek) was born into a remote mountain community in Northern Thailand in the 1960's. Her maternal grandfather was a tribal man of the forest and Lek's jungle forays with him led to an early and organic understanding of the wonders of nature. Although the term had not yet become popular he was, for Lek at least, the original conservationist and cared deeply for the preservation of the creatures and foliage that shared his jungle home. His teachings and encouragements gave Lek a sense of wonder of her natural home that led her in a lifelong quest to maintain and protect this invaluable recourse.

Against the backdrop of poverty she obtained a university education - something practically unique considering her circumstances.

Despite extreme financial difficulties she succeeded in founding Elephant Nature Park along with her husband Adam in 1996. The park is close to her home village and has been supported by their family tour business operating educational and environmental trips as well as a travel website. Her life-quest is to provide a sanctuary for elephants to live in a peaceful natural environment. This love of the elephant began as a youngster. The family cared for an elephant which became a close companion of Lek's.

This affection led, after finishing university, to working with elephants in the forests. With a vet they provided medical care to sick elephants in remote areas. Travel to these areas is hazardous and often involves hours of walking narrow jungle paths inaccessible to vehicles. She is often away for days at a time. The park's current herd includes disabled, orphans, blind and rescued mistreated elephants of all ages. She offers them hope and their short recovery times bear testament to her tireless efforts in offering them much needed sanctuary. Most Elephants under her care came from private owners and she has had to negotiate steep fees to enable them to join her herd.

These costs are from US$3000 upwards depending on what the owner considers the working worth of the creature. Some have outlived their usefulness to loggers and others became useless to trekking camp owners but it is seldom that they are given to the park regardless of their failing health. Leks' work takes her deep into the jungles of Northern Thailand where, with the help of medical staff, she treats tribal villagers and their families with medical care and, often, donated clothing.

Protection of the forests is another of her many passions and she had initiated a programme of saving individual trees using local Buddhist beliefs and sacred saffron cloth blessed by monks to tie around each tree. Each tree is given as a spiritual resting place to a recently deceased relative of the surrounding communities. Locals are reluctant to cut down these trees fearing insults to jungle spirits. Her programmes are focused around local culture, common sense and a deep conviction in the preservation of her home area. Sustainability is the key-term to describe her efforts. Elephant volunteers from around the world assist her in a unique programme involving learning, physical help and education.

Currently 16 elephants are directly under her care and the park has had seven births since 1996. She cares for hundreds more on visits with ‘Jumbo Express’ when she travels with a vet and a team of volunteers. Lek’s conservation activities have been supported mainly by the travel company run by her husband and family. Support is always welcome from outsiders to cover the increasingly high costs of food and medicines for the herd. Anyone witnessing Lek with elephants will see a loving bond, closeness and a special understanding. Her commitment and extensive field work make her projects unique.