Khun Dej
Khun Dej was born around 2010. His name means ‘knight’. He arrived to ENP on 18th October 2014.
Khun Dej comes from central Thailand. He was roaming in the forest when Khun Dej got trapped in a snare that was set by people hoping to capture small animals. He was not found for a few days. The wound was very deep and infection had already set in. He was taken to a nearby government hospital and cared for there. It is amazing that he did not die.
He was being well looked after but was on his own and becoming bored and frustrated. Khun Kanjana Nuna Silpa Archa discovered this boy and he stole her heart. She requested that Khun Dej be brought to ENP where he could have the chance to interact with other elephants and be nurtured by our herd members.
Shortly after his arrival, Dani fell in love with him and for now has become his adopted nanny. Not long after that, Khun Dej got an adopted big sister in new arrival Saree. We hope this relationship will last long in to the future.
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I love all Eles…but this little guy steals my heart. Khun Dej…I hope to meet you someday. I’m always praying his foot will heal up completely. It’s hard not to sit here and look through these stories without tears rolling down my face, but I’m thankful for ENP and their efforts in making these Eles as comfortable and happy as possible.
I had the immense priviledge to spend a week as a volunteer at the sanctuary and met Khun Dej, Saree his sister and Dani. I fell in love with the three of them and took any opportunity I could have to watch them. They were usually hanging around the river late morning for their bath and I would not miss it. You can feel the love between those three. Dani and Saree are very protective of Khun Dej. They were so funny playing in the river, Saree chasing the piece of woods that would come floating next to her. I will keep those wonderful images in my head all my life I believe. I miss them so much. It really became a routine to go and see them every single day I was there. They look so happy together.