Chang Yim has a little sister – Elephant Nature Park proudly welcomes Dok Mai

April is a month of festivity for us here at Elephant Nature Park. Songkran, the Buddhist new year, followed by Faa Mai’s birthday along with ENP’s 10-year anniversary are cause of great celebration. Thanks to Dok Ngern and the wonders of nature, we now have yet another reason to be filled with happiness and merriment this year —  the arrival of Dok Mai.

We do not often advertise the possibly pregnant females who are roaming about the park. Since the gestation period is from 18 to 22 months, the build up of waiting and excitement can drive you crazy. Here at Elephant Nature Park, based on activities witnessed on several occasions, we had a feeling that a few of our females were most likely expecting.

After the birth of Navann in late October, we started to pay much more attention to the bellies, breasts and behavior of our ladies who have been reproductively active in the past two years.
Oh, to be an elephant … to fully understand their conversations and body language. They know exactly what is going on with each other and who will give birth when.

We, on the other hand, can just wait.

This time, they tricked us.

All attention was on Sao Yai. Medo and Mae Lanna have attached themselves to her, Mintra and Jampaa want to be with her whenever it is possible. Even Chang Yim, Dok Ngern, Faa Sai, Tong Jaan and Faa Mai rushed to be by her side on a few afternoons. They clustered around touching her breasts, vulva and other areas in a concerned and curious manner.

So, while all thoughts were on Sao Yai, Dok Ngern went about her business of giving birth.

It was not a typical Saturday night. There was a housewarming party in progress in Muang Gudt which included a live band and pyrotechnics. The music was so loud it sounded like it originated from the middle of the park. Whenever there is excessively loud noise pollution, it gets the dogs barking and the elephants trumpeting in complaint.

Somewhere around 7:35 p.m. there was quite the fireworks display. The elephants were not impressed.

So, it was not suprising that there was much bellowing and roaring during and after the fireworks show. But, instead of dying down, the roaring and bellowing continued. For those of us in our various locations through out the park, we knew the disturbance was no longer related to the house warming party. Something else was going on …

I am sure you can imagine our excitement and astonishment upon seeing a wobbly little bundle of joy at Dok Ngern’s feet! A baby was born!!!! And — it was a GIRL!!!!! Not the baby we were expecting at the moment, but a new life none the less.

Her name is Dok Mai which means ‘flower of all flowers’. At birth she weighed 114.2 kg and was 93 cm tall at the shoulder.

Dok Ngern is a great mother, very protective. Dok Mai is very strong and long-legged. She becomes more confident and coordinated with each day.

Their family group visits daily, crowding close to the shelter, trunks outstretched in an effort to examine the new arrival. Others are highly interested as well … Malai Tong, Mintra and Jampaa spend most of the day milling around the nursery area.

We are still keeping an eye on Sao Yai. For the moment she is spending her days relaxing and in the company of Mae Lanna and Medo. They are very protective of her and giving her lots of love and support.

So, in true elephant soap opera fashion – as always – STAY TUNED!