Elephant Nature Park’s Kwanjai Feeling Her Age

Dear, amazing, determined, resilient Kwanjai. What she has been through, and how well she has done despite it all, is truly incredible.

Kwanjai arrived to Save Elephant Foundation’s Elephant Nature Park in late 2010. When rescued she was already on “her last legs” and we were unsure how long she would be with us.

Originally called “Lamyai,” her name was changed to Kwanjai when she arrived to the park, in honor of her much deserved retirement and new life. Kwanjai promptly decided that she was not quite ready to give up. You could almost hear her thinking “FINALLY! No trekking seat, no logging harness, no bull hook, no ignorant tourists or mahouts riding on me…I am sticking around to get the most I can out of this place!'” 

And so she did.

Kwanjai got out and about confidently, made friends, roamed around at her own pace and relaxed.

More than two years have passed since she arrived to Elephant Nature Park. With time, old age and old injuries catch up with all of us. While Kwanjai has done her best to overcome the effects of her injuries, she is having difficulties as of late. Both of her back legs have issues. She has an old break and dislocation on the right one, which causes her to bear all of her weight on the back left leg. As a result, she has a chronic foot infection in her left foot. She receives daily treatment, but with her advanced age, Kwanjai has difficulty healing. Presently, it is painful no matter which side she shifts her weight.

Surprisingly, Kwanjai still lays down and gets up each night. This is probably the main reason she has been able to keep going for so long. Over the past few days, Kwanjai has been laying down for periods of time during the day which is not normal for her. She is laying down to sleep earlier in the evenings and getting up later in the mornings. Kwanjai can get up on her own, but it takes alot of effort.

Kwanjai’s last set of teeth are almost completely worn out, which makes for poor digestion. Her appetite is good but she can only eat soft foods. It seems Kwanjai is winding down. We are unsure how much longer she will be with us. It could be a few days, a week … maybe a month or two? The veterinarians, staff and volunteers at Elephant Nature Park will give Kwanjai whatever is necessary to keep her comfortable for as long as she wants to hold on. And, when she is ready to let go, we will not force her to stand once again, but let her go peacefully.

Kwanjai has lived a long life. We are not exactly sure how old she is, but we believe that she may be 70 or older. It has been an honor to know her. Kwanjai’s strong and determined spirit has inspired many who felt they had more troubles than they could bear, to keep going — if old Kwanjai could keep going despite all odds, so could they!

Keep Kwanjai in your thoughts and send your blessings.