The days of elephant’s lives … the latest gossip from ENP

Tilly was rescued in early March 2011 and just passed her three-year anniversary of life at ENP. She and Mae Kham Puan had been spending lots of time in the ENP jungle behind the mahout village, enjoying the bounty that nature provides.

As the dry season progressed, there was less and less to eat, so they were brought back in to the park. They then began spending more time with Boon Ma, Bua Loy, Lucky and Dani. We hope this alliance will continue to strengthen.

Mae Kham Puan and Lucky

Mae Kham Puan really enjoys the company of Lucky and Dani, but Tilly is still a bit stand-offish and often wanders away sulking. Once she gets far enough away, she calls out for Mae Kham Puan, causing her to stop her socializing and rush over to her needy friend.

But … Mae Mham Puan keeps wandering back over to Lucky.

It seems that she has developed a fixation, possibly a crush on the tall, lovely and also blind ex-circus elephant. Tilly is beside herself!! Lucky for Tilly, she and Mae Kham Puan were called on to participate in the Pamper a Pachyderm day program, which means that on the days the girls go to the PAP tour, Tilly has Mae Kham Puan all to herself.

Thai Koon, Navann and Dani

Dani has been spreading herself around quite a bit these days. When not with her group, she can be found in the company of Mae Perm and Jokia on some mornings. She has also been hanging with Kham Puan and Tilly on a more regular basis as well. She is one elephant that Tilly does not seem to mind sharing with Mae Kham Puan. Dani is also fond of newcomer Thai Koon, a young landmine victim who has attached herself to Dani’s group.

The ‘tree shrine’ seems to be a place where lots of interesting social mixing takes place.

Mae Perm and Mae Bua Loy

As of late, Mae Perm and Mae Jokia have been spotted mingling with members of the Boon Ma, Bua Loy, Lucky, Dani quartet.

Jokia and Dani

On one afternoon, Mae Perm was off with Lucky, while Jokia was snuggling with Dani!

Mae Jeam Sai and Mae Ban Yen

New arrivals Mae Banyen, Mae Jaem Sai and Thai Koon also tend to linger in this spot, seemingly confident around the others who spend lots of time in this area.

Yet another interesting development — to our great delight Mae Keow has been reaching out socially and spends a fair bit of time out at the tree shrine as well. She feels confident in the company of Lucky and really seems to enjoy spending time with the young landmine victim Thai Koon.