At the Mekong Elephant Park, life flows at the quiet pace of the river—anchored in care, routine, and the small gestures that matter. This month, we take a moment to share a few everyday stories from the field: of a boat being repaired, an elephant comforted, or a team member lending a hand.
Each story is a simple reminder that meaningful change often begins with small, thoughtful actions—repeated with care.
Two Years of Sanctuary:
Mae Nin’s Journey
📸 Photo credit : Maxime Hiblot
This month marks two years since Mae Nin was rescued and welcomed to the Mekong Elephant Park.
She came from a background of hard physical work in the logging and construction industries — years marked by heavy loads, long hours, and limited freedom. Since arriving at the park, Mae Nin has gradually adapted to her new environment. She now enjoys dust baths, river swims, and is completely linked with the herd. Her demeanor has also changed: her once-wary gaze now reflects more calm and curiosity.
Her journey is closely tied to that of her mahout, Chai. Originally from Ban Houey Kha, a small Kamu village like Phao, Chai had experience working with elephants in his youth. After the loss of the elephant he once cared for, he left the field for over a decade. When the opportunity arose to work with Mae Nin, he returned with renewed purpose.
📸 Photo credits : Gabriel Bola & Benjamin Herblin
At 34, Chai not only cares for Mae Nin each day but has also taken on the responsibility of weekly veterinary checks for the entire herd—examining their teeth, feet, eyes, and monitoring their weight. His calm presence and gentle approach have earned the elephants’ trust, allowing him to carry out these checks with ease, especially as the sessions are paired with treats to keep the mood light. Chai’s dedication has become an invaluable part of the team, ensuring the wellbeing of every elephant in our care.
We’re proud to mark this milestone in Mae Nin’s journey and grateful to all those—like Chai—who make her ongoing recovery possible.
Maintenance of the Mahout’s Boat
As the Mekong Elephant Park is located on the opposite bank of the river from Pakbeng village, a small boat is essential for our mahouts to cross the Mekong. It allows them to travel to the village for supplies, or to meet their families.
Although they live full-time at the sanctuary, the boat remains a practical necessity for both personal and work-related needs — making regular maintenance important to ensure safe and reliable crossings.
The Famous Four
Our four remarkable females at the park: Mae Kham, Mae Nat, Mae Nin, and Mae Ping!
Rescued years apart from different corners of Northern Laos, these four elephants now spend their days side by side. They spend full days together in the leisure area, exploring the forest, splashing in the river, and sharing quiet moments under the sun (or rain 😊). Their trunks often gently intertwine as they continue to rebuild trust and relearn the bonds of family. During the nights, thanks to our night fence, Mae Nat, Mae Nin, and Mae Ping rest side by side in the safety of the sanctuary sharing quiet companionship. Nearby, Mae Kham chooses the solitude of her own enclosure beside the bungalows. At Mae Kham’s age, she no longer ventures far into the forest and prefers peaceful rest over the nighttime wanderings of the younger females, who spend much of the night grazing and moving about.
Wallpaper of the month
This month’s wallpaper is a heartfelt dedication to the beautiful bond between Mae Nin and her mahout, Chai. The photo captures a playful and tender moment they shared — a glimpse into the deep connection. Mae Nin, with her gentle presence, and Chai, ever attentive and kind, remind us of the quiet yet powerful friendships that flourish here at the park.
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