A video of the “happiest” elephant walking without chains for the first time after being in captivity for more than four decades has gone viral on TikTok.

The clip, posted by Aaron Jackson (@planting_peace), shows the elephant called Mare Noi walking along a dirt road. The powerful moment has garnered over 1.5 million views since it was shared on August 19, touching the hearts of viewers around the world.

“You’re looking at the world’s newest free elephant,” a man says in the video as he walks next to Mare Noi. “This beautiful girl has been chained for 41 years, and this is the first time she has walked free.”

A note superimposed on the clip reads: “Her first walk without chains in 41 years,” as Mare Noi strides forward with confidence, a moment of liberation after years spent in captivity.

Mare Noi was used for logging and ranching for most of its life, which was marked by imprisonment and labor. The post’s caption reads: “She has been used as a forest and breeding elephant her entire life. She has been waiting for this day for a long time. She will have 500 acres to roam free at the Boon Lott Elephant Sanctuary.”

The sanctuary, located in northern Thailand, is known for rescuing and rehabilitating exploited or abused elephants, providing them with a peaceful place to live out the rest of their lives.

The sanctuary’s commitment to Mare Noi’s well-being allowed her to experience a freedom she had not known in decades.

“She does a very good job,” the man said, amazed by Mare Noi’s enthusiasm. “I can tell she’s walking very, very fast because she’s used to having chains around her feet. She’s not used to that.”

The story of Mare Noi is far from unique in Southeast Asia, where thousands of elephants have been used for centuries for work or tourism.

ElephantVoices, a California-based charity that advocates for the welfare of elephants, says: “In the past, captured elephants were sent to war and used for heavy logging and construction, but the industrial revolution replaced them with machines. Today, elephants are captured and/or kept in captivity primarily for our entertainment.

The organization estimates that between 15,000 and 20,000 elephants live in captivity worldwide, often in harsh conditions. They are used in traveling circuses, confined in small zoo enclosures, or designed to transport tourists on trails, among other exploitative practices. Elephants in captivity face chronic health problems due to long-term confinement and abuse, and many endure “incredible brutality” to be tamed under human control, ElephantVoices explains.

The dramatic impact of captivity on elephants is also supported by research. A study of Asian elephants from logging camps in Myanmar, published in Natural communications in August 2018, found that elephants captured and tamed at older ages had significantly higher mortality rates than those captured young. The study also indicates that even years after capture, elephants remain vulnerable to premature death due to the trauma they have experienced.

For Mare Noi, however, the road ahead looks much more promising. With 500 acres of sanctuary land to explore, she will have the freedom to move without constraints, something she had been deprived of for more than 40 years. A final note superimposed on the viral video reads: “This flaunting of freedom suits you, Mare Noi.”

“The happiest elephant”

This emotional moment moved viewers around the world. TikTok users flocked to the comments section, expressing both joy and sadness.

One commenter, Melissa, wrote: “41 years old?!?!?!!! This hurts my heart! I can’t wait to see her transform into the happiest elephant she deserves to be! “

Another user, Alex Alvarez, added: “You can see the relief and serenity on his face. It’s awesome.”

Jenn Coleman wrote: “Aweee, my sweet girl. I’m surprised she isn’t more nervous…in a new environment.”

Sandra called the moment “glorious”, while Smith.rissa noted Mare Noi’s “happy ears” as she enjoyed her newfound freedom.

News week contacted the original poster for comment via TikTok and email. The video has not been independently verified.

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