1 Mahout/1 Elephant – Dokeo & Noyin
Series launch: Rediscovering our herd and their caretakers
We’re launching a new series dedicated to the duos that shape daily life at the park — our elephants and their mahouts. To begin, let us introduce Dokeo and Noyin: two peaceful souls united by quiet strength. When Dokeo was rescued in February 2025, he still bore the marks of long years of labor. Underweight and cautious, he had to relearn everything: trust, freedom, gentleness.
By his side, Noyin, our most experienced mahout, knew exactly what he needed — time and calm. Every day began slowly: a short walk through the forest, a quiet moment by the Mekong, a pause in the shade.
Instead of setting the pace, Noyin let Dokeo decide his own — when to bathe, when to eat, when to rest. Step by step, this patient approach rebuilt a sense of trust and understanding between them.
Their bond is visible in every look. Noyin can read Dokeo’s mood in a single gesture, adjusting his voice, his distance, his pace. His experience, shaped since childhood in a Lao Leu family that lived alongside five elephants, makes him a precious guide — especially during musth periods, where composure and respect are essential. His skill will be especially valuable during Dokeo’s first musth, which he will need to navigate with serenity and control.
Today, Dokeo has already gained more than 400 kilos; his steps are steadier, his eyes softer. Together, they move gently, in tune with the rhythm of the Mekong.
News from the Male Elephants
Since our last newsletter in May, when we highlighted the camaraderie among our males, each has continued his journey toward balance.
Kham Koun, ever consistent, has just finished his musth period — that natural phase that requires extra attention and space. These weeks are always intense, but our team now knows his behavior well and can adapt the rhythm to ensure his calm and safety.
Dokeo, on his side, is expected to go through his first musth at the sanctuary — a major step in his adaptation. This time, he will experience it under very different circumstances. We were told that, in the past, he was punished during musth: placed in direct sun and deprived of water, his former owner believed this would calm him… of course, it had the opposite effect.
Here, he is under the careful watch of Noyin, who will guide him with patience and respect.
Musth is above all a sign of good health. Given Dokeo’s weight gain and the improvement in his anemia, all signs point to him entering his first musth this year — though we can’t yet say when. As for Kham Koun, his natural cycle usually runs from August to October. Today, both males are doing well, each progressing calmly and enjoying brighter days ahead.
2026 Mekong Elephant Park Calendar
A Meaningful Christmas Gift That Lasts All Year
Last month, we announced their arrival with great excitement… and it’s official — they’re finally here! Our 2026 Mekong Elephant Park calendars are now available. Bring a touch of serenity to your home or workspace all year long with our 2026 desk calendar, featuring stunning photos of our elephants in their natural environment. Each month unveils a peaceful glimpse of life in the Laotian jungle, along with fun mini-games and a space for your notes and to-do lists.
Printed in high-resolution, this calendar combines charm, practicality, and purpose — a simple way to keep a piece of the park close to you, month after month.
Details:
- Format: 21 x 15 cm
- Price: $15.00 (excluding shipping)
All proceeds go directly toward the care and well-being of our elephants, their food, and the preservation of their natural forest home.
Grandir Aventure – A Beautiful Encounter
In September, we had the great pleasure of welcoming Grandir Aventure, an association organizing solidarity trips for young travellers. For two days, sixteen participants aged 16 to 20 shared the daily life of our team and elephants — an immersion full of discovery and emotion.
Their program included identifying forest plants that feed elephants, preparing Mae Kham’s afternoon snack, following the elephants through the jungle, observing, listening, and understanding their world. And, of course, a creative workshop where everyone made their own bamboo glass and spoon — lasting keepsakes from their visit to the park.
Beyond the activities, it was above all a beautiful human exchange: laughter, learning, and a genuine awareness of elephant protection in Laos. The group left with stars in their eyes and for us, it was a joy to share our mission with such an inspired and engaged generation.
Our heartfelt thanks to Grandir Aventure and their wonderful team for this memorable experience.
Wallpaper of the Month
Every month, we like to bring a little piece of the park to your screens. This month’s wallpaper celebrates the unique bond between Dokeo and Noyin — a symbol of trust and harmony.
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