In Thailand today, only 19% of the land is forest. Green land is destroyed every year. With the Thai population growing, the people need more land for agriculture. As a result, the natural habitat of the elephants is reduced even further every year.

Every year, forests are set afire by farmers seeking to convert them into arable land. In the summer the skies are gray with smoke, sometimes blocking out the sun for days. The burning also kills many wild animals, plants, and trees.

Most Thais believe in Karma and hold Buddhist Monks in the highest respect. The monk's orange cloth is regarded as holy. To help protect the forest, Lek asks monks to bless strips of orange cloth, which are then tied around the trees.

Few are brave enough to cut or destroy a tree with an orange cloth tied around it. It is considered bad Karma not only for the perpetrator in this life, but carried over to future lives. Elephant Nature Foundation has saved thousands of trees for future generations by simply tying the blessed orange cloth around each tree.

Through school visits, radio shows, and TV appearances, Lek attempts to re-engage Thailand's love of the mountain forests. Many local volunteers have joined her quest to protect not just the elephants as part of their natural heritage, but also the jungle.