Faa Sai's Story - Strength, Love and Loss
- Louise Hancox
- Apr 26
- 3 min read
Some stories are too powerful not to share twice.
I first wrote about Faa Sai in my newsletter earlier this year - a brave elephant whose courage and kindness captured my heart.
But what I didn’t know then was that her story would take an unexpected turn… and that the portrait I created would ultimately become a tribute to not just one, but two remarkable elephants.
"Their ancient souls shine through their wise eyes; each wrinkle on their weathered skin tells a story of a life lived with grace and dignity" Bjorn Persson
FAA SAI'S STORY: STRENGTH, LOVE AND LOSS
Faa Sai’s portrait is complete, and now it’s time to share her story.
Every time I do, I find myself tearing up. Learning about Faa Sai has reminded me that sentience is not the sole privilege of humanity.
In their intelligence, their love, their grief, and their joy, elephants reveal something universal - the deep, shared language of life itself.
Here's Faa Sai's story...
From Darkness to Light: Faa Sai's Second Chance
Faa Sai was rescued from a circus in 2007.
She arrived at Elephant Nature Park (ENP) deeply traumatised and dangerously aggressive. At just five years old she had already endured the brutal phajaan, or “elephant crushing”, a horrific process used to break wild baby elephants for domestication.
ENP, founded by renowned elephant rights advocate Sangduen “Lek” Chailert, gave her a second chance... and a new name - Faa Sai means "clear sky after a storm".
At first, Faa Sai was a storm of fear and fury, lashing out at anyone who came close. But, with time, patience, and love, she began to heal. Slowly, she was welcomed into a herd led by a gentle matriarch.
And in that safety, her true nature emerged - a kind, caring soul who adored young elephants, often stepping in as a surrogate mother to rescued calves.
She was also a bit of an escape artist. At nearly five tonnes, she had a healthy appetite and was known for sneaking out at night to raid the elephant kitchen.
Elephants are rare in their ability to feel and act with empathy. And Faa Sai was no exception.
During the devastating floods last October, she was almost safe - but when she heard the desperate calls of her friends, she turned back. She ran toward them, choosing them over her own safety.
The waters rose too fast. She was lost.
Turning Loss into Legacy
When Nicola shared the heartbreaking news of the floods and the loss of Faa Sai - the elephant she had spent time with while volunteering at ENP - I knew I had to do something more than just donate.
And so, using one of Nicola's photos of Faa Sai, I created this portrait:
"Faa Sai was part of our family. Rescuing her from her previous situation and bringing her into our family made her like a daughter to us. Rest in peace, beautiful young girl. Not a moment goes by without thinking of you. The beauty and brightness of you will remain in my heart forever". Sangduen "Lek" Chailert
In the weeks after finishing the portrait, Nicola gave it a name that perfectly captured the spirit of the story. And I’ve been busy behind the scenes putting together a fundraiser to honour Faa Sai’s legacy.
If you’ve been touched by Faa Sai’s story and want to follow the next chapter - the final title, the fundraiser launch, and the twist we never saw coming - you’re very welcome to join my newsletter family.
Sign up here - it’s where all the good stories land first.
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