1 mahout / 1 elephant — Mae Nin & Chai
Arriving in July 2023, Mae Nin finally regained her family life after nearly fifteen years spent alone, far from her loved ones. She worked for a long time in the forestry industry, hauling timber alongside her half-sister Mae Nat, an inseparable duo whose bond remains very strong to this day. But her role within the group goes beyond that: it was also Mae Nin who, in part, raised her niece Mae Ping when her mother was sold to China, a gesture that reflects her gentleness and protective nature.
At her side, Mr Chai brings new energy. Originally from Ban Houey Kha, a small Kamu village five hours’ walk from Pakbeng, he has worked with elephants in the past. However, after losing the elephant he was caring for, he decided to give up the job. Ten years later, he felt ready to return to his vocation. When Mae Nin arrived at the park, he naturally agreed to become her mahout.
Chai is also responsible for coordinating and assisting with veterinary checks for all the elephants at the park. These moments clearly reveal the trust he shares with Mae Nin: when she joins a veterinary examination, her calm behaviour and confidence are immediately noticeable. Chai’s reassuring presence allows each check to take place smoothly and without stress — a quiet reflection of the strong bond they have built together.
Both young, dynamic and enthusiastic, they now form a happy and close-knit duo, something that is easily noticeable in Chai’s smile and Mae Nin’s gentle gaze.
Review of the year 2025
Thank you to everyone who has supported us this year
The year 2025 was marked by great advances for our elephants and the protection of their habitat. Thanks to your support through your visits, donations, shares, purchases, and more, we were able to continue essential projects and launch new ones.
Here is what YOU have made possible this year:
Rescue of Dokeo
Arriving at the sanctuary in December 2024, Dokeo will undoubtedly remain the most memorable mission of 2025.
Born in northern Laos, he spent nearly ten years hauling wood in the logging industry before being sold to transport tourists in Luang Prabang. He was then transported to Vientiane to work on the construction of a building. Deprived of forest, sufficient food and social interaction, he endured years of great suffering, marked by isolation and exhaustion.
When he arrived at Mekong Elephant Park, Dokeo was emaciated, with deep wounds on his feet, infections and a severely weakened mental state. These problems were the direct result of years spent living on concrete, in his own excrement and urine, leading to serious foot infections and significant intestinal disorders. His entire body bore the marks of a life of hardship.
But within his first few weeks at the sanctuary, the transformation was striking. Thanks to a suitable diet, constant care and a peaceful environment, he quickly regained his strength: after five months, Dokeo had already gained 300 kilograms. He also discovered the pleasure of bathing in the Mekong River, which is essential for his skin, muscles and mental well-being.
Little by little, he began to form bonds: first with Kham Khoun, who guided him in his first steps towards confidence, then gradually with the females in the park, who were curious about this newcomer.
And in March 2025, thanks to the donations collected, Dokeo was officially saved: he joined the sanctuary family permanently, opening a new chapter in his life, one of safety, care and newfound freedom.
Even today, Dokeo still requires regular medical attention: he receives foot care twice a week to relieve the effects of his years spent on concrete, as well as vitamin injections to combat his still severe anaemia. His rescue, rehabilitation and first months of rebirth are one of the greatest successes of this year. It is a new life for him… and a source of deep pride for us all.
Repairing the daytime enclosure
This year, we were unable to complete the planned extension. The damage caused by Typhoon Yagi was considerable: more than 50 metres of the females’ night fence was destroyed, and more than half of the day fence was damaged, including the electrical box, which is essential for its proper functioning.
Faced with this situation, we had to prioritise our resources to repair the existing daytime enclosure (3 hectares) and the females’ night-time enclosure. This work was essential to ensure the safety of our elephants and to maintain suitable, safe and functional living areas on a daily basis.
Ongoing care for Mae Kham
Our eldest elephant, Mae Kham, has once again received constant care tailored to her advanced age this year. Her daily routine focuses on paying special attention to her diet and comfort: she needs at least 50 kilograms of fruit per day, around 15 kilograms of cooked rice, as well as tamarind, banana trunks and other natural supplements to help her maintain her energy levels. She also receives a monthly intravenous vitamin injection, which is essential for maintaining her strength and supporting her metabolism.
Reforestation and reforestation efforts
We have continued our tree planting programmes in collaboration with local authorities. These actions help to restore biodiversity, strengthen the soil and sustainably improve the natural environment in which our elephants live.
Strengthening patrols in protected areas
As costs were higher than expected, we were unable to fund a full year of patrols as initially planned. However, we were able to support three months of missions—July, August,and September—carried out by the military to strengthen surveillance of our protected area.
During this period, their patrols preventedpoaching, monitored illegal logging and limited polluting activities, thus ensuring better protection for the fauna, flora and elephants living around the park.
These patrols also made it possible to identify footprints from various animal species, including leopard cats which we are hoping to capture on our night cameras in the near future.
Educational programme with the three schools in Pakbeng
In 2025, we strengthened our local commitment through an educational partnership with the three schools in Pakbeng. A total of 360 pupils visited the park: three groups of 30 pupils from each school took part in educational visits, with one class per week in April, May and June.
Each child received a T-shirt, lunch, and the necessary materials (paper and pencils) to participate in our drawing contest.
Once again, a huge thank you
Your commitment enables the park to continue operating year after year, constantly improving the welfare of our elephants and continuing our efforts to support the forest and local communities. It also allows us to maintain 21 year-round jobs, which has a significant social impact in a region where opportunities remain limited. Every gesture counts, and it is together that we are building the future of Mekong Elephant Park.
Last-minute gift: simple, useful and meaningful
Still looking for a gift idea for the end of the year or for Christmas?
We suggest a thoughtful, sustainable and personalised option: for any donation of over €50, you will receive a personalised thank-you photo for the person of your choice.
It also makes a lovely Christmas gift, full of meaning, supporting our work while offering a unique, intangible present.
A simple, useful and heartfelt way to give differently.
Wallpaper of the Month
This month, our wallpaper features Mae Nin and Mr Chai: a young, dynamic and gentle duo who perfectly reflect the harmony and serenity they share every day at the park.
Your support has given meaning to every day of 2025, offering our elephants a more peaceful future and our team immense motivation.
We hope that 2026 will be a year of simple joys and inspiring adventures for you.
💛 Best wishes 💛
