Ging Mai -

First Steps - A New World

Video Christmas day. Ging Mai's first steps outside his pen since his rescue. He is hesitant as he explores the unfamiliar surroundings. Slowly and cautiously he leaves the safe confines of his home, stopping first to play with some water bottles. It takes a while for him to gain confidence and he keeps close to obstacles such as tents. He initially avoids open spaces. All elephants have an acute sense of smell and Ging Mai is no exception. He sniffs the volunteers tents and sarongs belonging to Lek which are drying in the sun. Recognizing the scents of those close to him bring comfort in unfamiliar surroundings.

Slowly he begins to feel more positive but stays within close range of his helpers. Always smelling his way around the open spaces are now a huge adventure for the youngster.

Lek is delighted with his progress and feels that this exercise will help him recover more quickly. She expects that it will take months before his physical and mental scars will heal. When he is strong enough he will be brought to a surrogate elephant mother who hopefully will take him on as her own. At this stage he will be able to digest solid foods.

He now begins to tire and slowly ambles back to his pen. Leks brother in law, Daeng, has made a bamboo gate for easy access. Ging Mai will be walking every day, gaining strength as he explores the new world of an infant. He suckles the milk bottle, consuming over 25 litres a day, as his eyes begin to close. He's had a busy day!

The miracle continues and further progress reports will follow'