A full year for Mae Nin at the Mekong Elephant Park
And what a beautiful year it has been…
Thanks to the generous support of our donors, Mae Nin arrived at the Mekong Elephant Park on 10th June 2023. Her rescue and arrival at the park was a special story, as she is actually the biological aunt to Mae Ping, and the niece of Mae Nat. Her arrival as the park means we are able to bring generations of elephants together in order to create a closely knitted herd.
Within days of arriving, Mae Nin explored every nook and crane of our sanctuary, spotting all the watering places in the park so that she can spray her body regularly.
She is the happiest when taking a swim in the Mekong River, a simple pleasure that she was unfortunately deprived of for years.
The moment when Mae Nin reunited with her family, there wasn’t a dry eye in the park. As she meets her aunt – Mae Nat – cuddles and happy wee-wees were the order of the day. She stayed close to Mae Nat all day and kept touching her with her trunk, as if she were afraid, it wasn’t real or that she’d wander off. And with Mae Nat’s help, Mae Nin’s introduction to the rest of the heard was a smooth operation. It was amazing to watch how our elephants slowly get to know one another and gently building bonds.
Despite her difficult past, Mae Nin holds no distrust against people. She quickly understood that she is now in charge of her own life. She got used to the company of her mahout, accepting her daily vitamin balls and treats without hesitation.
As months pass by, Mae Nin gets more and more confidence, independence, and a deep desire to be close to her family. From baths to forest walks, she is never without her family’s company. By all accounts, Mae Nin is thriving in her new forever home!
Does Mae Nin’s story hold a special place in your heart?
Why not become her sponsor?
Our Jungle Package at a lower price!
- Delicious local cuisine meals
- Comfortable eco-lodge accommodations
- Full day at the elephant sanctuary
Experience an unforgettable stay in our beautifully sustainable constructed bungalows, nestled deep in the forest, right in the heart of our elephant sanctuary. Immerse yourself in nature and connect with the elephants in their true home. During this low season, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy this experience with our newest offer.
This unforgettable adventure promises to connect you deeply with these majestic creatures and their natural habitat.
Tah in the spotlight!
With Wendy embarking on her motherhood journey, the daily operations at the Mekong Elephant Park is being taken over by Tah. In this newsletter, we bring you a short interview to better understand Tah’s passion and drive for his endeavor.
1. What motivated you to apply for a guide position at the Mekong Elephant Park?
Originally from Luang Prabang, I joined the Mekong Elephant Park (MEP) in 2017.
I have a passion for wildlife conservation and elephants, so joining MEP with the opportunity to become a multilingual guide was a great opportunity to seize.
2. What do you believe are the most critical issues facing elephant populations today, and how can sanctuaries like MEP address them?
For sure we can mention: habitat loss, poaching, and human-elephant conflict. Conservation efforts, such as those implemented by sanctuaries like MEP, can mitigate these problems.
3. How do you handle difficult or skeptical visitors who may not initially value conservation efforts?
I am patient, can provide factual information, and connect with visitors on an emotional level to foster understanding and support for elephants’ conservation efforts.
4. What skills do you possess that make you an effective guide and educator?
I possess skills in public speaking, knowledge of wildlife, interpretive skills, and maintain a friendly, approachable demeanor.
5. How do you prioritize safety for both visitors and the animals during tours and educational programs?
I understand and explain safety protocols and emergency procedures to guests, including always listen to and stand by the mahouts to ensure the safety of both visitors and animals.
6. Why do you think elephant conservation is important, and what impact do you hope to have in this role?
I believe elephant conservation is important because it helps protect these magnificent animals from extinction and supports biodiversity.
In this role, I hope to increase the number of visitors to MEP, as more visitors mean more revenue, which can be used for further elephant rescues.
Wallpaper of the Month
We are delighted to dedicate this month’s wallpaper to Mae Nin, showcasing her simple pleasure of frolicking in the Mekong River. It is always a simple but extremely gratifying moment for the whole team to see Mae Nin immerse in happiness, and we hope this wallpaper would also bring a smile to your face.
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