Art for Elephant Nature Park in Thailand: The Story Behind Unwritten Courage
- Louise Hancox
- May 20
- 2 min read
This is a story of quiet courage — in elephants, in people, and in the act of turning grief into lasting impact.
When the floodwaters rose through Northern Thailand last autumn, one elephant made a final, devastating choice — she turned back toward the cries of her herd.
She did not survive.
It began with this elephant. But it became something more.
“A drawing born from loss, carried by connection, and offered in hope.”
THE STORY BEHIND THE DRAWING
In late 2024, floods struck Elephant Nature Park (ENP), a sanctuary in northern Thailand known for rescuing elephants from circuses, logging camps, and tourism.
Floodwaters surged and buildings gave way.
Among the elephants lost was Faa Sai — a trauma survivor who had become a beloved guardian within the herd.
A former ENP volunteer, Nicola, was devastated.
She reached out to me—not asking for anything, but simply to share what had happened.
I’d never drawn an elephant before. But I started sketching, using Nicola’s photo as reference and holding Faa Sai’s story close.
The drawing became a tribute. But when I sent a copy of it to Save Elephant Foundation (the charity that runs ENP), they gently told me: I had drawn the wrong elephant.
The portrait was of Mintra, another beautiful soul rescued by ENP, who had survived the storms.
Instead of discarding the piece, we embraced the truth of what it had become: a tribute to both.
One in form. One in spirit.
Nicola named the portrait Unwritten Courage.
WHY IT MATTERS
Elephant Nature Park offers more than refuge. It heals — slowly, ethically, and on the animals’ own terms.
It’s a sanctuary built on trust and patience, led by the extraordinary Lek Chailert, and home to over a thousand rescued animals.
The floods touched a fragile, hard-earned world where elephants are finally allowed to rest, heal, and live freely.
This campaign supports a world still healing — and still hopeful.
And it’s about remembering that small acts — a drawing, a story shared, a card posted — can become part of something much larger.
WHAT WE'RE DOING
Over the next few months, we’re raising funds for ENP through a collection that includes:
Original Artwork – Unwritten Courage, auctioned online in August
Fine Art Prints – A2 (limited edition of 5), A3 (limited edition of 30), A4 (open edition)
Supporter Packs & Cards – Sold online and at summer events
All profits go to Elephant Nature Park via their parent charity, Save Elephant Foundation.
HOW YOU CAN BE PART OF IT...
Here's a shared invitation to:
Sign up for updates
Visit me at summer events (see events here)
Read about Elephant Nature Park and their work
Learn more and explore the full campaign
Share this story with someone who might care too
This portrait carries story, spirit, and the weight of two lives.
Early access is now open. You can explore the collection and order A4 prints and cards directly in the shop — with all profits going to Elephant Nature Park.
When the time feels right—maybe choose a piece that speaks to you.
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