An incredible video (external link) showing an elephant rushing into the water to save her keeper who she thought was drowning has gone viral, giving one and all friendship goals.
Trainer Darrick Thomson said he and Kham Lha have forged an “inseparable bond” since her arrival at the Elephant NaturePark in Chiang Mai , in Thailand a year ago.
The video shows him swimming, and splashing about in the water.
Faithful Kham Lha seems to think he might be in trouble and races into the water to rescue him.
Darrick, who is originally from Toronto, Ontario, pretended that he had got into trouble in the river, splashing and crying out for help.
The footage shows the elephant going towards him as he moves towards the river bank on the other side.
When five-year-old Kham Lha reaches Darrick, she uses her trunk to try and lift him up before putting one of her legs around him.
Darrick is seen smiling as he peers at the camera while holding onto the elephant's legs.
He said: “Kham Lha was in a really bad way when she came to us.
“She had been tied up and forced to undergo cruel training known as crushing to prepare her to work in the tourist industry.
“We freed her and helped her to recover. She became really close to me and we formed a strong bond.
“I went in the river to show just how remarkable the relationship with humans is. And that if you show warmth and kindness to them, they will treat you well, too.”
After being rescued, Kham Lha now wanders freely through the protected jungle sanctuary with dozens of other elephants.
