The role of the auntie to a baby elephant

At Elephant Nature Park, we are fortunate to have three sets of mothers and babies. Typically, motherhood ends in heartbreak in the captive elephant world so these unbroken bonds between mom and baby elephant are even more significant and cherished. It is well known that female elephants are incredibly maternal and nurturing calves comes as second nature.

Ideally, every female elephant wants to be a mother.

Therefore, the competition is stiff for the coveted role of “auntie” or “allo-mother” to a baby elephant. The bonds that develop among the surrogate family members are incredibly strong, comparable with those of a blood related family herd in the wild.

In the unique environment of ENP the role of “auntie” is multi-faceted. For example, at this time Mae Sri Nuan is the primary nurturer caregiver to Chang Yim. It is her responsibility to comfort him, distract him from the thought of his mother’s breast and try to keep him in line — all with an infinite amount of patience. Dok Ngern is busy with Dok Mai, Chang Yim’s new baby sister. Very soon, it will be time for Dok Ngern and Dok Mai to join the herd. Yim has to be ready and on his best behavior.

In the meantime, Sri Nuan is kept busy attending to Chang Yim’s needs. Chang Yim is a strong and healthy bull with emerging tusks, fast approaching four-years-old. He loves to be doted upon, but is also independent.

He enjoys a playful sparring match and needs to be put in his place when he takes it too far. He has observed reproductive behavior, which inspires him to seek out someone loving and tolerant who will allow him to practice!

Mae Sri Nuan cheerfully takes on all of these tasks. Her role is critical, especially with the arrival of the younger sibling.

Adopted aunties take their position very seriously. They are there to help care for the baby not because they have to be, but because they WANT to be.