A Story from Cambodia That Touched Millions
There are stories that simply warm your heart. Then there are stories that reach into the deepest parts of your soul and stir something profoundly human — reminding us about love, loyalty, and compassion beyond words. The story of Try Sithen and his elephant Lucky, from Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center in Cambodia, is one such story.
It’s a tale that recently went viral on social media, with millions watching a tender yet heartbreaking moment: an elephant named Lucky running emotionally after her longtime caretaker Try Sithen, as he rode away on his motorbike, waving goodbye.
For many, it was just a video. For those who knew the backstory, it was a 30-year journey of dedication, trust, and a love that crossed the boundary between man and beast.
The Man Behind the Story: Try Sithen
Try Sithen is no ordinary wildlife caretaker. For nearly three decades, he devoted his life to caring for animals at Phnom Tamao. But one elephant, in particular, became almost like his own child — Lucky.
When Lucky first arrived at Phnom Tamao in 1999, she was just a six-month-old calf. Found orphaned and alone in the jungle, she had little chance of survival. The task of raising this baby elephant fell to Sithen. It was no simple job; baby elephants, like human infants, require constant care.
For two long years, Sithen never left her side — not even to visit his own family. He bottle-fed Lucky every two hours, took her into the forest to explore and learn which leaves were good to eat, and slept overnight in a hammock beside her. Through sun and rain, laughter and tears, their bond grew unbreakable.
Lucky: From Orphan to Artist
Today, Lucky is an adult elephant who shares her enclosure with Chhouk, a young male elephant who tragically lost his foot to a snare and now wears a prosthetic shoe. Yet despite new friendships, Lucky’s heart belongs to Sithen. Every morning, before Sithen even begins his other work, he greets Lucky. If he doesn’t, she gets jealous.
Read more: What are the most common pets and animals in Cambodia?
Over the years, Lucky also became something of a celebrity. In 2003, Sithen taught her to paint — not through force or fear, but through positive reinforcement. Each brushstroke earned her a treat of bananas or carrots, which she happily accepted. Whether she paints is always her choice. This little bit of artistic freedom is more than just entertainment; it’s mental enrichment that keeps Lucky stimulated and happy.
Sales of Lucky’s paintings now help support not only her own care but that of over 1,300 rescued animals at Phnom Tamao.
The Viral Goodbye
So why did Try Sithen leave?
Reports suggest there were internal issues within the organization. What we know for certain is that Sithen, after dedicating his life to these animals, felt forced to leave. The now-viral video shows Lucky chasing after Sithen’s motorbike, her trunk reaching out, visibly distressed.
The viral story spread on social media, with users creating images of him and related artworks as shown below.
Watching Lucky run after the only father she’s ever known, eyes wide and ears flapping in confusion and sorrow, broke millions of hearts. Sithen’s own eyes filled with tears. In an interview, he said:
“Can you imagine if there’s a difficult situation of our beloved animal and we have to leave them, like the elephant? Our eyes will definitely drop tears.”
It was not just a goodbye. It was a plea — from both a man and an elephant who could not understand why their bond had to be severed.
A Hopeful Turn: Cambodia’s Agriculture Minister Steps In
This story might have ended in tragedy. But it seems love and compassion are more powerful. On July 3, Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced that Agriculture Minister Dith Tina would meet with Sithen to help resolve the situation.
This raised hopes that Sithen could return to Phnom Tamao and continue his life’s work alongside Lucky. Many across Cambodia and beyond are rooting for this reunion. Because some bonds simply shouldn’t be broken.
Read more: What is the most dangerous animal in Cambodia?
What Can We Learn from Try Sithen and Lucky?
There are so many lessons wrapped up in this poignant story:
🌱 Commitment is love in action. Sithen sacrificed years of his life, even family visits, to raise an orphaned elephant. In a world often driven by quick gains and personal comfort, his dedication shines as a rare gem.
🐘 Animals have deep emotions. Lucky’s desperate chase after Sithen proves elephants grieve, worry, and love. They remember kindness. They miss those they trust.
🎨 Conservation needs creativity. Through Lucky’s art, Phnom Tamao found new ways to fund the care of over 1,300 rescued animals. It’s a beautiful testament to innovation born out of necessity.
❤️ Kindness does not require cruelty. Unlike many elephant camps that rely on harsh training, Sithen raised Lucky with affection and positive reinforcement. Their story proves that you don’t need to break an elephant’s spirit to build a relationship.
🌏 Wildlife matters. Behind every elephant painting sold, every viral video shared, there are bigger issues: illegal wildlife trade, deforestation, and the urgent need to protect habitats. Lucky’s story puts a face — and a waving trunk — on these global challenges.
How Can We Protect Bonds Like This?
- Support ethical wildlife centers. Buy art like Lucky’s, donate, or simply share their stories.
- Reject animal tourism that exploits creatures. If you see elephants performing tricks under duress, understand that cruelty often lurks behind the scenes.
- Speak up. Public outcry helped draw attention to Sithen and Lucky’s story. Your voice matters.
- Educate yourself and others. The more we understand animals’ emotional worlds, the more we’ll work to protect them.
More Than a Viral Moment
The video of Lucky running after Sithen is more than just content for likes and shares. It’s a glimpse into a decades-long story of loyalty, sacrifice, and the incredible capacity for connection between species.
We can only hope that when Sithen meets with the Agriculture Minister, this love story will continue — not just for Lucky and Sithen, but as a symbol of the kind of compassionate world we should all strive to build.
Watched the story on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/Measchandalinlakamo/videos/1088546686506798
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1452857636140304
https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=1061399542209318
💬 What do you think about the story of Try Sithen and Lucky? Does it change the way you see animals and caretakers? Share your thoughts below!
✅ If you’d like to help, you can support Lucky and other rescued animals by purchasing her unique artwork or learning more at Phnom Tamao’s official pages.