Could these elephants be any happier? The young elephant calf, Chaba, now lives freely at Elephant Nature Park (ENP), enjoying the care and nursing of his mother, Bunma.
Lek Chailert, the founder of ENP, was contacted by an elephant camp owner who requested help in rescuing the mother and baby and bringing them to live under the park’s care.
Watch the video at the end.
The camp owner, ill for nearly a year, could no longer care for his elephants.
Bunma, the mother elephant, is 16 years old. She gave birth to Chaba in May of this year. When rescued, Chaba was in poor condition, but the journey to ENP was uneventful, with Bunma only showing concern at the sound of passing cars. Now, they are home and no longer need to be chained.
ENP expressed gratitude to Noelle Weiss for assisting in their release, along with everyone who contributed to Bunma and Chaba’s daily care.
The mother and baby celebrated their first day at ENP on August 12, which coincides with Thai Mother’s Day and World Elephant Day.
Within just one day of arriving, Bunma had milk to nurse Chaba, thanks to the love, supplements, and delicious vegetables and fruits provided. Both are now more relaxed and discovering the beautiful life they could have at their forever home.
Elephant Nature Park, located in Mae Taeng District, about 60 kilometers north of Chiang Mai City, is an elephant sanctuary and rescue center co-founded in 1995 by Thai animal rights activist Sangduen “Lek” Chailert, who remains the park’s primary spokesperson.
The 101-hectare facility houses over 35 elephants, most rescued from the tourist and illegal logging industries.
This sanctuary was established to provide a haven for elephants who are no longer in service to humans.
Conservation efforts help keep these majestic creatures safe and happy. Visitors can see these efforts firsthand at the elephant rescue and rehabilitation center in Northern Thailand.
Elephant Nature Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chiang Mai. The reserve is also dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating dogs, cats, buffaloes, and various other animals. Those who wish to get close to the elephants are invited to learn how to feed and bathe them.
Lek Chailert’s work with elephants has earned her numerous awards, including being named one of six Women Heroes of Global Conservation by Hillary Clinton. Thanks to Lek’s efforts, Elephant Nature Park has truly transformed into a “heaven for elephants.”
FAQ about elephants
How much does an elephant weigh?
Elephants, the largest land animals, vary in weight by species and age. African elephants can weigh between 5,000 to 14,000 pounds (2,268 to 6,350 kilograms), with males generally heavier than females. Asian elephants are smaller, with males weighing 4,500 to 11,000 pounds (2,041 to 4,990 kilograms) and females between 3,000 to 6,000 pounds (1,361 to 2,722 kilograms).
How long are elephants pregnant?
Elephants have one of the longest gestation periods among mammals, lasting between 18 to 22 months. African elephants typically have a gestation period of about 22 months, while Asian elephants are pregnant for about 18 to 22 months. This lengthy pregnancy allows the calf to develop fully, ensuring it is relatively mature and can walk soon after birth.
How long do elephants live?
Elephants are known for their long lifespans. In the wild, African elephants typically live between 60 to 70 years, while Asian elephants have a lifespan of about 48 to 60 years. In captivity, elephants may live longer due to regular veterinary care and the absence of predators, although their longevity can vary based on living conditions.
What do elephants eat?
Elephants are herbivores and primarily eat plant-based foods. Their diet includes grasses, leaves, bark, fruits, and roots. African elephants tend to consume more grass, while Asian elephants eat more woody plants. An adult elephant can eat up to 300 pounds (136 kilograms) of food each day.
Where do elephants live?
Elephants live in various habitats across Africa and Asia. In sub-Saharan Africa, African elephants inhabit savannas, forests, deserts, and marshes, including countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, and South Africa. Asian elephants are found in forests, grasslands, and scrublands across 13 South and Southeast Asian countries, including India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Indonesia. Their habitats range from dense tropical forests to open grasslands, depending on the availability of food and water.
Are elephants afraid of mice?
The idea that elephants are afraid of mice is a popular myth with no scientific backing. Elephants have poor eyesight, making it unlikely they would even notice a small mouse. Any reactions to sudden movements are more likely due to surprise rather than fear of the mouse. Elephants are primarily concerned with larger threats, such as predators or humans.
Are elephants endangered?
Elephants are considered endangered. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists African elephants as vulnerable, while forest elephants, a subspecies, are critically endangered. Asian elephants are classified as endangered. Major threats include habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching for ivory.
Do female elephants have tusks?
In African elephants, both males and females typically have tusks. In contrast, in Asian elephants, only some males have tusks, while females usually do not. Female Asian elephants may have small tusk-like structures called tushes, often not visible outside the mouth.
