Life at the Mekong Elephant Park this month

Veterinary visit from Christopher & Melody

This month, we were delighted to welcome back Christopher Stremme (an international veterinarian based in Indonesia and an elephant specialist) and Melody Bomon (a Laos-based veterinarian specialising in Asian wildlife). Their annual visit is always a special time for us: it’s the opportunity to check the health of each of our elephants, provide training to our team, update our knowledge on new treatments, and share concrete updates with you.

As with every visit, all our elephants received their blood tests, deworming, and vaccinations. Christopher is one of the few veterinarians in Asia with the equipment and expertise to perform an ultrasound on an elephant, so Dokeo had his check-up — and the results were reassuring: everything is in order, and his well-developed testicles are a good sign for the future of the herd and its breeding prospects. Next step before the end of the year: testing his semen!

His health is not perfect yet: he is still slightly anaemic (a consequence of many years with parasites), but it is slowly improving. What made us especially happy: he has gained over 400 kg in one year — proof that, despite the challenges, his body is regaining strength.

This visit also reminds us of an important reality: there are very few breeding males available. This makes Dokeo’s regular follow-ups all the more valuable, as he could play an essential role in the future of our still fertile females.

And some good news from our dear granny Mae Kham: after a slight slump last year, likely age-related, our vets noted this time that she is full of energy and in great shape. Thanks to her extra fruit supplements and customised breakfasts, she’s showing that old age suits her well — she has clearly found her rhythm as a sixty-something!

Rebuilding works: step by step

Last month, we told you about the damage caused by the typhoon. Between broken fences, washed-out paths, and the little natural pool now buried under rocks, the material damage to the park was heavy.

Since then, our team has worked tirelessly to make the site safe again for both visitors and elephants. New elephant pathways are under construction, and several temporary solutions are already in place.

The necessary materials have been ordered from Thailand, but delivery is taking time. Thanks to the donations we received, part of these repairs has already been funded — and we are sincerely grateful for your support.

Thank you Léa

Many of you already know Léa and had the chance to meet her during your visit to the park last year — she definitely left her mark.

Originally coming for an internship in early 2024, Léa quickly became an essential part of our project and still supports us today. Do you enjoy our social media posts? You can thank her 🙂

During her time at the sanctuary, Léa wore just about every hat imaginable: outstanding guide, creator of communication materials, helping announce the opening of the bungalows, setting up new processes, and offering constant support during difficult moments… all that before even turning 20!

With her personality that fits so well with the elephants, the Laotians, and our project, Léa has brought joy, kindness, and a healthy dose of energy. We are lucky she fell in love with the park, the team, and of course, the elephants.

Thank you, Léa, for everything you’ve done for us and keep on doing.

Boat Racing in Pakbeng

On 8th September, Pakbeng came alive with its annual boat race — a huge festive day that brings together all the surrounding villages in a burst of colour and excitement. The whole town turns into a giant fair, and villagers organise entire trucks to make the trip to “the big city” of Pakbeng for the celebration. This year, our team came in a proud 4th place! Congratulations to the winners from Ban Donecheng.

And the elephants? They followed the usual boat training schedule the week before the race… but on the day itself, the music and commotion weren’t really their thing. Everyone celebrates in their own way…..

Travel Journal News: Les éléphants du Mékong

Many of you already know the stunning illustrated travel journal Les éléphants du Mékong by Laurent Bonnet, which was selected at the Clermont-Ferrand Travel Sketchbook Festival in 2022.
With its sensitive drawings and inspired words, it beautifully captures his immersion in Pakbeng and his encounter with our elephants.

A few copies are still available: a wonderful way to support the park while keeping a unique souvenir of your visit. Laurent donates 100% of the sales back to us and even covers the printing costs himself — we are truly lucky to have his unconditional support.

And we have more good news: the magazine Revue du Bout du Monde has invited him to collaborate on an upcoming special “Asia” issue — a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on Laos, Pakbeng, and of course, our elephants, to a travel-loving audience. We can’t wait to see this project come to life and share more with you soon!

In the meantime, if you’d like to order your travel journal copy, just contact us.

Coming soon: the 2026 calendars

A little surprise is on its way… You’ve been asking for it for years… our 2026 calendars are almost here! They will feature stunning photos of our elephants in their lush jungle home so you can keep them by your side all year long. A lovely way to keep a touch of jungle calm and elephant charm close to you, month after month. More to come soon….

Wallpaper of the Month

Every month, we like to send a little piece of the park to your screens. This time, we’ve created a special wallpaper blending photos and illustrations, featuring Mae Nin, Chai, and our big “Hollywood-style” sign — because here, our real stars are the elephants.