History of Elephants at ENP

ที่ได้พบบ้านหลังสุดท้ายที่ ENP เรื่องราวของช้าง WHO FOUND A FOREVER HOME AT ENP STORIES OF ELEPHANTS

ELEPHANT NATURE PARK OFFICE 1 Ratmakka Road, Phra Sing, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand Tel: +66 (0) 53 272855, +66 (0) 825573380 www.elephantnaturepark.org

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คำำ �นำ�ำ

ช้้ างเป็็ นสัั ตว์์ ที่่ มี่� คว์ ามี ผูู กพัั นกับป็ ระว์ั ติศาสั ตร์และว์ั ฒนธรรมี ไที่ ยมี ายาว์ นานแต่ในช้่ ว์ ง หลายสัิ บป็ี ที่่ ผู่� านมี า พั ว์ กมีั นต้องเผู ช้ิ ญกับคว์ ามี เป็ ล่ย� นแป็ ลงครัง� ใหญ่บางตัว์ ถูู กใช้้ งาน อย่างหนักในอุตสั าหกรรมี ป็่ าไมี้ การที่่ องเที่่ �ยว์ หรือแมี้ แต่ถูู กที่ อดที่ิ �งโดยไร้ที่่ �พั่ � ง Elephant Nature Park (ENP) จึ่ งถูื อกำ าเนิดขึ้่ � นเพัื � อเป็็ น “บ้้ านหลัั งสุุ ดท้้ าย” สั าำ หรับช้้ างที่่ �เคยผู่ านคว์ ามี ยากลาำ บาก ให้พั ว์กมีั นได้มี่ ช้่ ว์ิตใหมี่ ที่่ �สั งบสัุ ขึ้ หนังสัื อเล่มี น่� จึั ดที่ ำ าขึ้่ � นเพัื � อให้ผูู้ อ่านได้ศ่กษาและที่ ำ าคว์ ามี รู้จึั กกับ ช้่ ว์ ป็ ระว์ั ติขึ้ องช้้ าง แต่ละเช้ื อกที่่ ไ� ด้รับการช้่ว์ยเหลือมีายัง ENP แต่ละตัว์มี่เรือ� งราว์เป็็นขึ้ องตัว์เอง มี่อด่ต ที่่ แ� ตกต่างกันและมี่ เสั้ นที่ างช้่ ว์ิ ตที่่ น� าำ พัาพัว์กมีันมีาสัู่ที่่ แ� ห่งน่ � บางตัว์ เคยเป็็ นช้้ างแสั ดง ในคณะละครสัั ตว์์ บางตัว์ เคยถูู กใช้้ แรงงานจึ นร่างกายบอบช้ ำ � าและบางตัว์ รอดช้่ ว์ิ ตจึ าก การถูู กที่ อดที่ิ �งอย่างเด่ยว์ ดาย ช้่ ว์ ป็ ระว์ั ติขึ้ องพั ว์ กมีั นไมี่ เพั่ ยงแต่ช้่ ว์ ยให้เราเขึ้้ าใจึ คว์ ามี เป็็ นอยู่ขึ้ องช้้ างไที่ ยในอด่ต และป็ั จึจึุบัน แต่ยังสั ะที่้ อนให้เห็นถู่ งผู ลกระที่ บขึ้ องมี นุษย์ต่อสัั ตว์์ป็่ า และคว์ามี สั าำ คัญ ขึ้ องการอนุรักษ์และดูแลพั ว์ กมีั นในระยะยาว์ เราหว์ั งว์่ าหนังสัื อเล่มี น่� จึ ะเป็็ นแหล่งขึ้้ อมีู ลที่่ � มี่ คุณค่าแก่ผูู้ ที่่ � สั นใจึ ศ่กษาเก่� ยว์ กับช้้ าง และเป็็ นแรงบันดาลใจึ ให้เกิดคว์ ามี ตระหนักรู้ถู่ งคว์ ามี สั าำ คัญขึ้ องการดูแลและป็ กป็้ อง สัั ตว์์ ใหญ่เหล่าน่�ให้มี่ ช้่ ว์ิ ตที่่ �ด่ขึ้่ � นต่อไป็ ....

บริิษัั ท เอลลิแฟนท์ เนเจอริ์ปาริ์ค จาำ กัั ด

HISTORY OF ELEPHANTS AT ENP - 2

Introduction

Elephants have been deeply connected to Thai history and culture for centuries. However, in recent decades, they have faced significant challenges. Many were subjected to hard labor in the logging industry, exploited in tourism, or even abandoned without proper care. Elephant Nature Park (ENP) was founded as a sanctuary, providing a ‘forever home’ for elephants who have endured hardship, offering them a new life of peace and safety. This book was created to help readers learn about and understand the life stories of the rescued elephants at ENP. Each elephant has had a different past and a unique journey that led them to this sanctuary. Some were once circus performers, others suffered years of grueling labor, many were ridden by tourists, and endured years of abuse. Their stories not only provide insight into the lives of Thai elephants, both past and present, but also reflect the impact of humans on the elephant population. They highlight the importance of conservation and long-term care for these amazing creatures. We hope this book serves as a valuable resource for those interested in learning more about elephants and provides inspiration to support these magnificent animals who have persevered in the face of adversity.

Elephant Nature Park Company Limited

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Born: 1960 Rescued: 1999 Sex: Female 01

Jokia (โจเกีี ย)

Jokia, whose name means ‘Eye from Heaven’ was born in 1960. She was rescued in 1999 from illegal logging and extreme abuse. Jokia suffered a miscarriage while pulling a log uphill and was not allowed to stop working to check if her calf was dead or alive.

This event naturally caused Jokia extreme physical and emotional trauma, and she fell into a deep depression, refusing to work. This provoked the wrath of her mahout and owner, who took aim at her with a sling shot, permanently blinding her in both eyes.

One fortuitous day, Lek heard Jokia trumpeting angrily in the jungle where she was being forced to work and so began the negotiation for her rescue. Jokia was rescued from a life of abuse in 1999.

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After her rescue, Jokia was able to enjoy a very different life in a loving, safe environment. She is well known for forming one of the most remarkable and longest standing friendships in the history of ENP with a wonderful elephant named Mae Perm back in 1999.

Mae Perm was the first elephant rescued by Lek in 1992. She would constantly look out for her friend, Jokia by using touch and sound to help provide a picture of what Jokia could not see for herself. If Jokia trumpeted to her friend, Mae Perm would run to her side and reassure her. It was a beautiful sight to behold. Sadly, Mae Perm passed away on April 7, 2016. Jokia deeply grieved the loss of her friend and refused food or water for a few days. During this difficult time, we followed her everywhere to ensure her safety. More recently, Jokia has developed a relationship with MoLoh and baby LekLek. She seems to relish her new role as LekLek’s nanny. Jokia has faced a lot of sadness in her life, but she never let the pain of the past diminish her will to live. She continues to live her life with a strong-willed spirit.

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Hope (โฮป) Born: 2000 Rescued: 2002 Sex: Male

Hope’s early life was filled with tragedy. Born in August 2000, his mother, a trekking elephant, was forced to stop working due to illness. Sadly, she passed away from liver disease when Hope was just a baby. Weak and malnourished, Hope required specialized care. His owner could not afford the milk formula needed to sustain him and contacted Lek, who agreed to take care of him. Hope arrived at ENP in March 2002 and was bottle-fed specialized milk for the next year. He was adopted by Mae Perm and later also cared for by Mae Somboon. Raised with love and free from cruelty, Hope has grown into a confident and spirited elephant. He has never had his spirit broken or been forced to work. Hope is the father of Navann, born at ENP in 2012. He now lives in a large bull enclosure, where he can roam 24 hours a day.

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Born: 2001 Rescued: 2003 Sex: Male

Jungle Boy (จังเกี้ ล� บอย)

Jungle Boy arrived at ENP in May 2003. He never had his spirit broken and has never been made to work. His mother, Mae Boon Na, was a trekking elephant. Thankfully, her owners allowed her maternity leave, and Jungle Boy was born at Elephant Haven in November 2001. He and his mother stayed with us for four months, but after that, the owner wanted Mae Boon Na to return to work. Jungle Boy had to follow his mother as she gave rides to tourists, day after day.

Fortunately, when he was 1 ½ years old, we were able to rescue him. His mother was allowed to stay with him at ENP for one year so he could continue nursing. Sadly, the owners later took Mae Boon Na back to work. In his early years, Jungle Boy had a few nannies, but as he matured, he developed a stronger interest in females. He is the father of both Dok Mai and Yindee. Today, he lives as a solitary male in a large enclosure. Our hope is to release him into a vast, forested, protected sanctuary in the future.

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Born: 1970 Rescued: 2005 Sex: Female

Mae Bua Tong (แม่่ บัวทอง)

Born around 1970, Mae Bua Tong endured the grueling life of a trekking elephant until her rescue in July 2005. Her six-month-old daughter, Tong Jaan, was rescued at the same time and together they began a journey of healing. Mae Bua Tong’s strength as a mother, shines through, even after years of hardship. She later gave birth to Faa Mai in the safety of ENP, where she now leads her beautiful family group. This devoted mother’s resilience reminds us of the sacrifices she made for her offspring and the joy she now finds within her herd. 04

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Born: February 14, 2005 Rescued: July 2005 Sex: Female

Tong Jaan (ทองจันทร์์ )

Tong Jaan, meaning ‘Gold Moon’, was rescued in 2005 alongside her mother, Mae Bua Tong. Saved from the brutal domestication process, she has never worked a day in her life. Now part of one of ENP’s largest family group, she is a caring big sister to Faa Mai and loves spending her days wandering the park with her herd.

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Faa Mai (ฟ้้ าใหม่่ ) Born at ENP: April 17, 2009 Sex: Female

Faa Mai, meaning ‘New Sky’, was born on April 17, 2009, at Elephant Nature Park. She was the first calf born at the park to our resident elephants. Her mother, Mae Bua Tong, was rescued in 2005 with her daughter, Tong Jaan, who was just six months old at the time. Faa Mai will never endure the cruel torture of training or work a day in her life. The kindness she has experienced since birth is evident in her gentle and curious nature. For the rest of her life, Faa Mai will remain in her matriarchal family group with Mae Bua Tong and Tong Jaan. She has acted as a junior nanny to Dok Mai and Dok Rak and is known for her dynamic, playful personality. Faa Mai shares a special bond with our founder Lek, showing great affection towards her. She is open, generous, kind, and willing to take risks to connect with others, fostering unity within ENP’s herds. As a park ambassador, she welcomes newly rescued elephants and spreads joy wherever she goes.

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Born: 2000 Rescued: 2005 Sex: Female

Dok Ngern (ดอกี เง้น)

Dok Ngern, whose name means ‘Silver Flower’, carries the scars of a traumatic childhood. Forced to perform demeaning tricks, her frustration eventually boiled over, leading her to attack her mahout in an act of defiance. Deemed unmanageable, her owner sold her, and in 2005, Dok Ngern found sanctuary at ENP. Here, she discovered family and purpose, becoming a proud mother to Chang Yim, Dok Mai, and Dok Rak. Her journey from pain to healing is a testament to the power of love and care.

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Chang Yim (ช้้ างย้ม่� )

Born at ENP: July 12, 2009 Sex: Male

Chang Yim was born at Elephant Nature Park on July 12, 2009. His name means ‘Smiling Elephant’. His mother is Dok Ngern and he has a little sister named Dok Mai and a brother, Dok Rak. He is the second baby ever to be born and conceived at Elephant Nature Park from resident elephants. Chang Yim has not had his spirit broken and is trained using positive reinforcement target training so that we can perform any medical or husbandry care necessary. Chang Yim is a lucky bull elephant as he will never have to do any kind of work. We hope that in the future we will be able to release him into a semi-wild forested area where he can reach his full potential.

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Dok Mai (ดอกี ไม่้ )

Born at ENP: April 6, 2013 Sex: Female

Dok Mai is the second calf of Dok Ngern, born into the safety of ENP in 2013. Her name means ‘Queen of the Flowers’, fitting her playful and confident nature. She has grown up surrounded by a loving family and Faa Mai acted as a devoted junior nanny to Dok Mai when she was younger. Dok Mai’s life is one of joy and exploration. She is a reminder of the freedom every elephant deserves.

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Dok Rak (ดอกี ร์ั กี )

Born at ENP: April 27, 2016 Sex: Male

Dok Rak, born into freedom at ENP, represents hope for a new generation of elephants who will never know the pain of forced labor. As a calf, he was cared for by his mother, Dok Ngern, and several nannies who taught him how to navigate life safely. Now an adolescent male elephant, Dok Rak lives in a large bull enclosure where he is regularly visited by members of the herd, enjoying a life free from harm.

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Mae Sri Nuan (แม่่ ศร์ี นวล)

Born: 1962 Rescued: 2005 Sex: Female

Born around 1962, Mae Sri Nuan was rescued from Surin Province, along with Dok Ngern, in late 2005. She came to ENP to begin her recovery from a life of hardship. Like many captive elephants, her tragic journey included forced labor in the logging industry, street begging, and providing rides at a trekking camp. Mae Sri Nuan is blind in her left eye, likely due to a slingshot injury. Although she is not the tallest, Mae Sri Nuan is the largest female elephant at ENP, with a massive head and large ears.

When she first arrived, she spent most of her time with Dok Ngern and became a nanny to Dok Ngern’s first baby, Chang Yim, and later to her second baby, Dok Mai. Despite her imposing size, Mae Sri Nuan is a gentle, nurturing, and easy- going elephant. She loves being a nanny to the younger elephants at the sanctuary. Nowadays, she spends most of her time with Thong Ae’s family, including Jenny, Lucky, and sometimes Faa Mai.

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Born: 2016 Rescued: 2017 Sex: Female

Thong Ae (ธงเอ)

Thong Ae is female elephant born in 2016 as a result of forced breeding. Thong Ae stayed with her mother at a trekking camp for just five short months, after which she was sold and trained to be a street begging elephant. It was during this time that several people witnessed the mahout abusing her in a busy market place.

As a result of this incident, there was a public outcry and a report made to the authorities. Thong Ae’s owner decided to move her immediately to Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand to avoid prosecution. In Chiang Mai, she was forced into an elephant show and riding camp, where she was made to perform demeaning tricks to entertain tourists.

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It was here that an older elephant adopted Thong Ae and tried to care for her as her nanny. Tragically, Thong Ae’s nanny died from exhaustion whilst carrying tourists on her back. Lek heard about Thong Ae’s plight and was determined to rescue her. In August 2017, Lek convinced the owner to allow Thong Ae to come to Elephant Nature Park so that she could recover from the trauma of her past and her poor physical health. Sweet and gentle in nature, Thong Ae quickly won the hearts of both elephants and caretakers alike. She was adopted by several nannies including Jenny and her health began to improve in this new environment of love and care.

In March 2019, Lek received the dreaded call from the owner to say that they wanted to sell Thong Ae back to the circus. Luckily, we were able to convince the owner to allow Thong Ae to stay at Elephant Nature Park permanently with her many nannies and friends. Thong Ae’s nurturing nature has made her a favorite among older elephants, and she finds joy in forming deep connections with her herd. Thong Ae continues to thrive in her forever home at Elephant Nature Park.

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Born: 1986 Rescued: 2005 Sex: Female

Malai Tong (ม่ าลัยทอง)

Malai Tong’s life is a story of resilience. Born around 1986, she stepped on a landmine while working in illegal logging along the Burmese border. After recovering, she was cruelly forced into street begging despite enduring recurring pain from her injured foot. Finally rescued in 2005, Malai Tong has since become a cherished nanny at ENP, caring for over five babies and offering her unwavering kindness to all. Recently she has become a loving nanny to Namthip and enjoys her role caring for this young elephant. Her gentle heart, despite her harrowing past, inspires everyone who meets her.

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Born: 1976 Rescued: 2006 Sex: Female

Medo (แม่่ โดะ)

Medo’s life has been marked by profound suffering and resilience. She began working at a very young age in illegal logging. While pulling a heavy log, she broke her right ankle, which never healed properly, leaving her unable to continue logging. She was later forced into a brutal breeding program. Refusing to submit to a bull chained beside her, Medo suffered a dislocated hip during a violent attack. When Medo could no longer work, her owner rented her to a village headman, where she served as a “village tractor,” pulling logs.

When she wasn’t working, she was chained and lived like this for seven years until Lek rescued her from this miserable existence. Medo arrived at ENP in July 2006 to start a new chapter. Despite her condition and disability, Medo thrives—she plays in the mud and river and can lie down and get up with ease. Medo is now best friends with Jaem Sai. She is a calm, easy-going elephant with an indomitable spirit, enjoying her life at ENP as a testament to her incredible inner strength.

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Born: 1950 Rescued: 2014 Sex: Female

Jaem Sai (แจ่ม่ ใส)

Born around 1950, Jaem Sai’s name means ‘Clear and Happy’, though her life was anything but. After decades in logging and trekking, she was rescued in 2014. Despite being blind in one eye and dealing with digestive issues, Jaem Sai is now a healthy, happy elephant. She formed a deep bond with her best friend, Baanyen, and together they enjoyed peaceful walks through the sanctuary. After Baanyen passed away, Jaem Sai developed a close friendship with Medo, with whom she now spends her days.

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Born: 1980 Rescued: 2007 Sex: Female

Mae Lanna (แม่่ ลานนา)

HISTORY OF ELEPHANTS AT ENP - 23 Mae Lanna’s life has been marked by pain and perseverance. Forced to beg on streets and work on plantations, she endured unimaginable cruelty. Her right eye, partially blinded by a slingshot, is a haunting reminder of her past. Rescued in 2007, she found solace at ENP. Though sometimes cautious, Mae Lanna’s spirit remains unbroken. She is fiercely protective of her friend Sao Yai, showing that even in the face of suffering, elephants can find love and loyalty.

Born: 1990 Rescued: 2011 Sex: Female

Sao Yai (สาวใหญ่่ )

Born around 1990, Sao Yai’s life began with hardship in logging and elephant shows. Her two babies were taken from her, leaving her heartbroken. Rescued in 2011, she has found solace in her friendships with Mae Lanna and Medo.

Though emotional and intense, Sao Yai is learning to trust again. Away from the chaos of her past, she now enjoys peaceful days wandering in the forest with her best friend, Mae Lanna at ENP.

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Born: 1990 Rescued: 2009 Sex: Female

Mintra (ม่้ นตร์ า)

Mintra’s early life was filled with hardship. At just four years old, she was struck by a vehicle, leaving her with dislocated hips. Despite her injury, she was forced to work as a street-begging elephant. Rescued in 2009, Mintra began a new life at ENP. She is the mother of Yindee and an outgoing, social elephant. She spends her days with her friends, Malai Tong, Pornsawan, Kratae, and Mae Thai. Recently, a young elephant named Namthip joined her herd. Mintra is now a devoted nanny to Namthip, embodying warmth and strength that inspires hope.

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Born at ENP: August 25, 2013 Sex: Male

Yindee (ย้นดี)

Born on August 25, 2013, Yindee is a lucky boy who has never experienced cruelty. As the son of Mintra and Jungle Boy, he thrives in the caring environment of ENP. When he was young, Yindee was doted on by his nannies and playmates, including Dok Mai and Faa Mai. Now an adolescent male elephant, Yindee lives in a large bull enclosure with hopes of eventual release into a semi-wild sanctuary where he can reach his full potential. 19

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Born: 1990 Rescued: 2010 Sex: Female

Sri Prae (ศร์ี แพร์ )

Rescued in 2010, Sri Prae found peace at ENP. She is the mother of Navann, born at ENP in 2012. These days, she prefers to spend most of her time alone and often hang outs near Navann’s enclosure. 20

Sri Prae’s life began in hardship. Born around 1990, she stepped on a landmine while working in illegal logging and spent two years recovering in a hospital. When she could no longer work, she was forced into a breeding program but never became pregnant.

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Navann (นาวาน)

Born at ENP: October 28, 2012 Sex: Male

Navann, whose name means ‘Gold’ in Cambodian, was born at Elephant Nature Park in the early hours of October 28, 2012, to a chorus of trumpeting and elephant gossip. Navann will never work or have his spirit broken in a phajaan. 21

Though breeding is not planned or encouraged at ENP, nature takes its course, and pregnancies have occurred in the past. Sri Prae and Hope kept their romance a secret, and Navann was conceived beneath the ENP radar. It was with great surprise that we welcomed him on that early October morning! Navann is confident and demanding and, like his father Hope, enjoys clowning around and being the center of attention. When he was young, he collected a following of gran- nannies who were hopelessly devoted to him. Sadly, his nanny Mae Bua Kham passed away of old age a few years ago. Navann now lives in a large bull enclosure with a swimming pool and is regularly visited by his mother, Sri Prae.

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Born: 1976 Rescued: 2015 Sex: Female

Mae Baitoey (แม่่ ใบเตย)

Mae Baitoey was born around 1976. She spent most of her life working in the trekking industry, providing rides to tourists. During her time at the trekking camp in Kanchanburi, the owners also exploited her for forced breeding. In 2011, she gave birth to a baby girl named Kham La. Despite the profound bond between mother and baby, they were forcibly separated, and the owner subjected Kham La to cruel training so that she would perform in elephant shows.

Fortunately, we were able to rescue Kham La and reunite her with her mother, Mae Baitoey, bringing them both to Elephant Nature Park for a fresh start in 2015. Initially, it was challenging for Mae Baitoey and Kham La to reconnect, which is understandable due to their fear of being separated once again. Now, Mae Baitoey lives freely with Kham La and their large matriarchal herd at the Sky Walk Project at Elephant Nature Park.

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Born: 2011 Rescued: 2015 Sex: Female 23

Kham La (คำำาหล้า)

Kham La, which means ‘Darling’, was born in 2011. Her mother was working at a trekking camp in Kanchanaburi when Kham La was born. Tragically, Kham La was separated from her mother at a young age and subjected to the cruel training process known as phajaan, designed to break her spirit. She endured intense training to perform in shows, which led to stereotypical behaviors (neurotic behaviors caused by stress, also known as zoochosis).

Thankfully, Kham La was rescued and reunited with her mother, Mae Baitoey, at ENP, where she began a new life. Initially, her mother found it hard to reconnect with Kham La, likely due to fear of being separated again. Kham La now loves spending time with her large herd, roaming freely through the sanctuary. As the youngest member of the herd, she has many doting nannies and enjoys leading her family. She shares a special bond with Darrick, built on mutual love and respect.

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Warunee (วาร์ุ ณีี )

Born: 1959 Rescued: 2015 Sex: Female

Warunee was born around 1959. Her life followed the tragic path of many captive elephants. Separated from her mother at a young age, she was trained to haul logs in the forest and later moved to a trekking camp, providing rides daily with no rest. In June 2015, Warunee was rescued from an elephant trekking camp in Kanchanaburi and came to ENP. She quickly settled into her new life, retiring from work and socializing with other elephants. Warunee has developed strong bonds within the Kham La herd, and her best friend is Dao Ruang.

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Born: 1983 Rescued: 2015 Sex: Female

Dao Ruang (ดาวเร์ื อง)

Dao Ruang, meaning ‘Marigold’, spent most of her life working in trekking, enduring harsh conditions and little rest. Rescued in 2015, she has found comfort in the companionship of her best friend, Warunee. Her gentle demeanor belies the pain of her past servitude, but she now thrives in the loving environment of ENP.

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Born: 2001 Rescued: 2015 Sex: Female

Manao (ม่ ะนาว) Manao, meaning ‘Lime’, was born around 2001 at an elephant riding and show camp as a result of forced breeding. At a very young age, she was tied to her mother while her mother gave rides to tourists. Eventually, Manao and her mother were separated so the mahout could begin breaking Manao’s spirit, forcing her to perform demeaning tricks and carry people on her back.

Isolated from her family at a young age, Manao endured loneliness and long hours of exhausting labor in trekking and elephant shows. She was rescued in early June 2015, along with 19 other elephants. Manao now has an adopted nanny, Mae Malee, and is at the age where she enjoys caring for younger elephants. She has formed a special bond with Kham La, who arrived at the same time. Today, Manao is thriving at Elephant Nature Park, living with the dignity and respect that all animals deserve. 26

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Born: 1960 Rescued: 2015 Sex: Female

Pookie (ปุ้กี กีี )�

Pookie was born around 1960. Her life was marked by hardship working in the logging industry for many years. Following her work in logging, she was moved to an elephant trekking camp. Pookie was rescued in June 2015 and came to live at Elephant Nature Park.

She is a very short elephant, with a large, hairy head, beautiful eyes, and lovely long eyelashes. Pookie joined the large matriarchal herd known as the ‘Kham La herd’ who spend their days at the Skywalk Project where they roam freely throughout their sanctuary home, while visitors observe them from the Skywalk platform.

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Born: 1993 Rescued: 2015 Sex: Female

Pa Yom (พะยอม่ )

Pa Yom’s past remains largely unknown, but like many elephants, she endured years of hardship working in the tourist industry giving rides before her rescue. At ENP, she has found peace and is often seen bonding with her close friend, Nong Paeng.

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Born: 1992 Rescued: 2015 Sex: Female

Nong Paeng (น้องแป้ง)

Nong Paeng, meaning ‘Soft like Powder’, was forced to work in trekking before her rescue in 2015. Blind in one eye and with a long tear in her ear, she bears the marks of her cruel past. Despite her injuries, she has formed a strong bond with Pa Yom and now enjoys her life in a peaceful and nurturing environment.

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Born: 1961 Rescued: 2016 Sex: Female

Tong Kham (ทองคำำา 1)

Tong Kham endured immense suffering and abuse in her early years working in the tourist industry. She was rescued from a trekking camp in 2016. Blind in one eye and with injuries to both back legs, she arrived at ENP malnourished and weak. Today, she has gained strength and enjoys exploring her sanctuary home. Her resilience shines as she finds joy in her newfound freedom in a safe and caring environment.

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Born: 1952 Rescued: 2017 Sex: Female

Pikun (พ้กีุ ล)

Pikun’s story is one of persistence and survival. Born in 1952, she endured years of abuse working in a trekking camp. A number of years ago, Pikun made a dramatic escape, rushing into Elephant Nature Park from a neighboring riding camp. She was immediately surrounded and protected by Faa Mai’s family, seemingly shielding her from being taken back. Although her mahout repeatedly retrieved her, Pikun would regularly break free and run to the park. After much negotiation, the camp owner finally allowed Pikun to stay at ENP permanently on March 13, 2017. Upon her arrival, Pikun ran straight through the gates as if she knew she was home. She has since found a best friend in Khun Yai, and the two

are inseparable. 31

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Born: 1991 Rescued: 2011 Sex: Female

Tilly (ท้ลลี)�

Born around 1991, Tilly’s past is marked by immense suffering, from illegal logging to forced breeding programs. She was rescued in early 2011 after enduring life with around 15 owners. Tilly has a dislocated hip and is partially blind, likely due to the harsh treatment she endured. She now enjoys a peaceful life at ENP with her best friends, Kham Puan and Thai Koon. Together, the trio love hanging out together, playing in the river and chatting with each other. 32

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Born: 1974 Rescued: 2015 Sex: Female

Mae Pon (แม่่ พร์ ) Mae Pon was born in 1981 and endured years of being ridden by tourists before her rescue. When she arrived at ENP, she came with her baby, Hansa, who tragically died at just two years old from a fatal virus known as EEHV. After Hansa’s death, Mae Pon became very depressed, as the bond between a mother elephant and her baby is incredibly strong. Over time, Mae Pon has recovered from the trauma of losing her baby. She is a particularly large female with a gentle nature and a hearty appetite. Whenever food is around, Mae Pon rushes to eat as much as she can before the other elephants arrive. She is best friends with Kham Paeng and Nong Pop, and these elephants have formed a very close relationship. Recently, Mae Pon has become a loving nanny to baby Jun at Elephant Highlands.

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Born: 1971 Rescued: 2015 Sex: Female

Kham Paeng (คำำาแพง)

Kham Paeng, born in 1971, spent decades performing in elephant shows and giving rides to tourists. Rescued from a trekking camp in Kanchanaburi in 2015, she now lives at Elephant Highlands. Here, she can roam the mountains and forest, foraging and socializing in a relaxed environment.

Kham Paeng is best friends with Mae Pon and Nong Pop, and the trio is rarely apart. Known for her tall stature and playful nature, Kham Paeng has recently become a caring nanny to baby Jun.

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Born: 1990 Rescued: 2015 Sex: Female

Nong Pop (น้องป๊อป)

Born in 1990, Nong Pop spent many years giving rides to tourists, enduring relentless physical strain. Nong Pop was rescued in June 2015 from an elephant riding camp in Kanchanaburi, along with Mae Pon and Kham Paeng. Although the three elephants came from the same trekking camp, they had never been allowed to socialize. Over time, they formed a close bond with Mae Pon and Kham Paeng taking on the role of caring for Nong Pop, the youngest of the three elephants.

This small herd is inseparable, and their relationship is heartwarming to witness. Since her rescue, Nong Pop has embraced her newfound freedom and carefree life. She now lives at Elephant Highlands, where she enjoys her life wandering her mountain sanctuary home. More recently, she has become one of baby Jun’s devoted nannies.

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Born: 1993 Sex: Female

Suparp (สุภาพ)

Mae Suparb was born in Surin Province in 1993. She used to work at a trekking camp in Kanchanaburi, where she endured long, arduous days taking tourists on rides. Mae Suparb is a mother, but was separated from her baby many years ago. She is a particularly pretty elephant and is quite playful. She has a habit of devouring her food voraciously and is a healthy weight now.

HISTORY OF ELEPHANTS AT ENP - 43 She will even steal food from the other elephants. Her favorite activities are submerging herself in the river and playing in the mud pit. She is much happier in her new home where she no longer has to work, has plenty of food, and is able to socialize with the other elephants, especially Mae Dok Mai, with whom she has developed a close friendship.

Malee (ม่ าลี)

Born: 1945 Rescued: 2015 Sex: Female

Mae Malee, which means ‘Mother Jasmine’ was born around 1945. She worked in the logging industry until 1989 when the Thai government implemented a ban on logging. She was then sent to an elephant trekking camp where she was ridden by tourists day after day. Mae Malee was rescued and arrived at ENP in early June 2015.

She is an adopted grand- nanny to Manao, a young girl who was rescued at the same time. Mae Malee is very protective of Manao, causing her to be a bit unpredictable at times. While a little thin, her good condition for her age. She is not heavily scarred and luckily, still has sight in both eyes. She gets along well with other elephants and is part of a large female social group, and a senior matriarch to the Kham La herd.

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Born: 1980 Sex: Female

Mae Dok Mai (แม่่ ดอกี ไม่้ )

Mae Dok Mai was born in Surin in 1980. She was rescued from a trekking camp in Kanchanaburi, where her days were long and exhausting. Earlier in her life, Mae Dok Mai had two daughters who were taken away from her. Her former work providing rides eventually took a toll on her health and she became very thin. The sight of her emaciated body prompted the fast arrangement for her rescue from this life of hardship.

Following her arrival, she gained weight and her health and spirits were lifted by being able to live a more natural, dignified life. She is easily spooked by loud sounds, and if startled, will make a dash for it. Mae Dok Mai is fortunate to now be enjoying a peaceful life at Walking with Elephants with her best friend, Mae Suparb, with whom she has a deep bond. 38

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Born: ---- Rescued: 2017 Sex: Female

Khun Yai (คำุณี ยาย)

Khun Yai is a senior elephant in her 70’s. Like many older elephants, she spent her early years doing logging and was later forced to work in the tourist industry at a trekking camp, giving rides to tourists. Khun Yai came to Elephant Nature Park in 2017 at the same time as Jenny and Thong Ae from Surin Province.

These three elephants developed a strong bond and Khun Yai became a grand nanny to Thong Ae, who was only 2 years old at the time. Later, when Thong Ae and Jenny formed bonds with younger elephants at the park, Khun Yai was mostly on her own.

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Khun Yai was introduced to Pikun after she was rescued later that year and so began a beautiful friendship. Over time Khun Yai’s health improved and she became more confident and relaxed with her best friend, Pikun by her side. Khun Yai and Pikun have now been friends for many years and the bond between them is unbreakable. They comfort and look after each other and are rarely seen apart. They do everything together, including eating, swimming, and taking mud baths.

Khun Yai has a large tear on her left ear, likely caused by a mahout when she was younger. She is a wise and resourceful elderly elephant, who now spends her days with Pikun, and occasionally hangs out with Thong Ae and her family. It is heartwarming to witness the beautiful friendship between Khun Yai and Pikun and wonderful to see her enjoying life in her senior years at ENP.

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Elephant Nature Park

info@elephantnaturepark.org

+66 (0) 53 272855

elephantnaturepark

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