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Mae Keow joins Lily

This evening, with heavy hearts – we said goodbye to Mae Keow.

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Over the past few days it was clear that she was losing her will to keep going. She spent more time laying down and when we tried to lift her with the harness and crane she did not seem to want to stand. We did not want to force her or cause any excess discomfort. She was receiving medication for pain, but it was difficult to determine whether it was helping her or not.

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CMU vets attempt to take an x-ray of Mae keow’s good leg.

Elephants are never comfortable lying down for long periods of time, but as the days passed it became equally uncomfortable for Mae Keow to stand even with the help of the harness. Though we had hoped that Mae Keow would be able to recover from the broken leg, there was still the underlying problem that caused her to fall in the first place.

Mae Keow resting after choosing to stand up over night.

Mae Keow resting after choosing to stand up over night.

Her mahout Moses (also known as Moe-Sae) had been with her for more than six years. He was Mae Keow’s only source of comfort for many months after losing Lily. Since her decline in health, Moses camped out near Mae Keow, doing everything he could to help keep her comfortable and was visibly distressed, knowing he could not do more.

Mae Keow and Moses in happier times.

Mae Keow and Moses in happier times.

We are reeling from this sad and unexpected turn of events….. Only a month ago, Mae Keow seemed completely fine.

She was more social than ever.

Mae Keow finally mingling.

Mae Keow finally mingling.

We were so glad to see her fitting in … and now, she is gone.

Our only consolation is that she has re-joined her dear best friend, Lily. Mae Keow really changed after Lily’s passing three-and-a-half years ago and it took her a long time to finally let go and move forward.

Mae Keow, we will never forget you … You were with us for 16+ years.

During that time you had many different nick names; In your hey-day you were known as Mini Me, the Pygmy Elephant, Little Napoleon, The Biter, The Hussy, The Bulldog … All due to your short, stocky stature and your over-sized attitude.

Mae Keow still auntie to Jungle Boy in 2009.

Mae Keow still auntie to Jungle Boy in 2009.

You were a very caring, if not a bit over protective auntie of Jungle Boy. Even though it was not your intention, you taught Hope to never back down or submit. Your 13 years of loyalty and friendship to Lily were beautiful and precious.

Mae Keow and Lily... saying goodbye.

Mae Keow and Lily… saying goodbye.

You stayed by her side when she went down … and now … as your time drew near, Lily’s spirit was surely there by your side, trunk outstretched, ready to guide you.

Rest in peace, Mae Keow.

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This Post Has 29 Comments

  1. I am so sorry to hear bout Mae Keow passing. My prayers go out for her and all at ENP. Thank you for giving her a life of love and respect.

  2. To my dear ENP family, my deep felt condolences. As everyone posts their words of love and prayers, may they be the balm that heals this open wound. May the astounding lady Mae Keow rest in peace with her friend Lily in the eternal forest.

  4. So sad that you have lost Mae Keow. I remember her well from my first visit to ENP, shortly after she had lost her best friend, Lily. It was obvious that she was grieving for her friend. I was so glad when I heard that she was become more social. I was deeply saddened when I heard that she had taken a turn for the worse. Now that she has crossed the rainbow bridge, may she find peace as she is once again reunited with her friend.

  5. So very sad for the passing of Mae Keow. As 2014 draws to a close, so too does her life but going forward she will be reunited with her dea,r dear friend Lily and they will start a new life together with new friendship, adventures and happiness.
    Goodbye Mae Keow…….

  8. Such a huge loss for all of you at ENP. I feel the loss and have only volunteered twice at the park; I can only imagine how deep the pain is for all those who knew Mae Keow so well, especially her mahout. The above tribute to her was beautiful and so touching. It was wonderful! For sure she is with Lily again! Rest in peace Mae Keow!

  11. So sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to Mae Keow. Moses, I will keep you in my prayers as you grieve for your friend.

  12. So sorry to hear. Mae Keow was one of my favorite elephants when I visited ENP three years ago. Such a character! Very sad day for ENP.

  13. Rest in peace … romp with the angels awaiting the day for rreuniting with friends! We all will travel this uncertain road to freedom!

  17. Namaste dear Mae Keow. You will now no longer be hurting or sad. You will once again run and play with Lily.

  18. To read this today made me very sad!! Since i was a little girl i had a deep love for Elephants!!– I love there spirit and the smell of them brought memories to me i was not aware of where it came from!! I believe in past lives and believe i had something to do with these precious animals!! God Bless those who take care of them!!

    Much Love
    Cathy Bilello

  20. So sad to hear this news. It really brings home how intelligent Elephants are and it would seem she never lifted out of her grief over Lily dying
    Penny (Swaziland Animal Welfare Society)

  21. So sorry to hear of Mae Keow’s passing. She was in the best place ever at ENP & was given so much love that she was able to also share that love with so many of the others. You gave her 16+ wonderful years that she would not have had without ENP & all those that cared for her – especially Moses.

    RIP girl; your reunion with Lilly must be so joyous!

  27. Very sad news. She was a beautiful elephant. My heart goes to lek Darrick mahout and all your great staff. Xx

  28. Very sad to read that Mae Keow has passed. I was a volunteer during the week of Dec.15-21st and remember when she fell ill. It is indeed sad but as you say in your blog Jodi, she will finally be reunited with her friend Lily. Blessings to all of you for the kindness you bestowed on her and all the other animals in your care.
    I also hope they find Michelle’s dog Jai Dee soon. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at ENP and it will be a memory I will always treasure. You have a wonderful group of people. Thank you for the opportunity.

  29. So Very “SORRY” !!!! RIP Sweet One ….
    May your reunion with Lilly be WONDERFUL and may you BOTH be the Greeter’s as others come to their Place of Peace and Eternal Rest !!!!

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