Mae Kham Geao and a past acquaintance? |
Our latest arrival joined the herd on
Wed 01 October at 4:30 pm. Mae Kham Geao arrived from
Samoeng, south of Chiang Mai City. She was staying with
her owners and has not been working for the last year
due to poor health. The family owners have, over the
years, kept ten elephants and she is their last one. All
of the others have died due to old age, illness or
overwork. The last two have died in recent years. They
don't want to lose their last elephant, and, having
heard of Lek and Elephant Nature Park, they asked if Mae
Kham Geao could come to stay. She is about 55 years old,
but looks a bit older. She is in pretty good shape, but
a little thin
On her first morning at the park she was greeted by
Mae Boon and Hope who took a break from their wrestling
session to find out more about this newcomer. They both
seemed to take to her immediately, especially Mae Boon,
who engaged in long and loving stroking of trunks. They
rubbed their heads together, and intently sniffed each
other. It seems possible that they were rekindling old
memories and they may worked together in the past. They
seemed to be quite happy together. Mae Boon spent the
rest of the day with Mae Kham Geao, overseeing the
meetings with other herd members who came over to see
welcome her.
Mae Perm and Jokia came over, gave her a good sniff
and stayed for 5 minutes before politely wandered away.
Overall Mae Kham Geao is settling in well and the herd
has quickly accepted her. She will gains weight and
confidence as time goes by Mae Kham Geao's situation is
unique, as she is not a leased elephant and also is not
for sale.
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