A Special Surprise:
Meet Dokeo, Our New Resident!
We’ve been keeping a little secret, but now it’s time to share….Dokeo, a handsome boy around 30 years old, has come to us after years of working in the logging industry and providing tourist rides. Although arrived in poor condition, quite thin and with significant nail problems, thanks to round-the-clock care, Dokeo is quickly adjusting to his new life, and has already gained a healthy 300 kilos!
Some of you may have already caught a glimpse of him, and as for us, we’ve loved watching his excitement as he explores his new surroundings. He’s a social, handsome boy, and it’s clear he’s curious about his new elephant friends. Our females are equally intrigued by him—they’re quite taken with his scent, which even brought on a small musth (a natural response for males when they’re stimulated).
In the coming months, we’ll begin carefully introducing Dokeo to our other female elephants and our resident male. We can’t wait to see the bonds he forms and how he integrates into our family. We will be sure to keep you updated on his progress and socialization with the herd.
Now for the big reveal and how you can be part of his future
We secured a safe haven for Dokeo for the next 6-month through a rental agreement with his previous owners. During this time, his former owners are not allowed to sell him or put him back to work—this is our precious window to give Dokeo a chance at a new beginning.
Photo @kevinundanna
Now is the time to raise the funds
To purchase him outright, guaranteeing he’ll never be forced to work again.
Dokeo’s future and guarantee of not going back to a life of labor can only depend on your support. Please consider making a donation, or spreading the words about Dokeo’s rescue effort, to help us raise the funds needed to purchase him permanently so he can remain here at the Mekong Elephant Park, safe and free, in the one where he experiencing the true values of real care and companionship.
STEALING GIANTS
Exposing the Cruel World of
Animal Smuggling
In this newsletter, we want to bring your attention to this moving documentary. Animal activist and filmmaker Karl Ammann has spent decades documenting the illegal wildlife trade. In his latest film, “STEALING GIANTS”, directed by Laurin Merz, Ammann takes viewers on a shocking journey into the heart of this dark industry.
The film follows the illegal capture and transport of elephants from Namibia to zoos in the United Arab Emirates, and exposes the illegal elephant trade between Laos and China. The film shows the horrifying spectacle of these majestic creatures being herded onto cargo planes, their lives subjected to degrading performances, forced to play football, darts, and even the xylophone.
This film truly highlights why elephants are on the edge of extinction in Laos, and it speaks to what we at the Mekong Elephant Park are fighting against every day. We want to give elephants back the lives they deserve, and to spread awareness to stop elephants being used for entertainment.
You can now watch the trailer of the documentary, and make sure you stay tuned on our social media as we will be sharing the link to the full documentary as soon as it is released.
Show your support with our new T-shirts!
Looking for the perfect gift to put under the Christmas tree? Look no further! We’re excited to announce our brand-new t-shirts – a fantastic gift this Christmas, and an amazing way to show your support to our elephants and project.
These unique shirts feature a special design: our beloved male elephant on the front and Mae Ping on the back. Available in adult and kid sizes, they’re a wonderful way to share a piece of the sanctuary with family and friends. A big thank you to Alix for making these t-shirts possible!
To order your t-shirt, simply contact Wendy. Please specify the quantity and size(s) you’d like, and she’ll be happy to arrange payment. By giving these shirts as gifts, you’re giving twice: a meaningful present to loved ones and vital support for our sanctuary residents.
Thank you for helping us make a difference this holiday season!
Wallpaper of the month
Festive season is right around the corner🎄We would like to dedicate December’s wallpaper to feature a view of our sanctuary, the second home of Wendy and the mahouts, the safe haven for our elephants. We hope this wallpaper brings a bit of festivity to your screen and a smile to your face.
Leave a Reply