A Turning Point for Elephants in Indonesia

On 17 April, we gathered at Elephant Nature Park to celebrate Faa Mai’s 16th birthday, marking another year in the life of a truly remarkable elephant. Born on 17 April 2009 at the park, her name means “New Sky,” a fitting reflection of the hope and gentle presence she has brought into the world since her first breath.

Medo’s life is a story of hardship, resilience, and quiet dignity. Born in 1976, she was put to work at a young age in illegal logging. A serious injury left her right ankle permanently damaged, and later, a violent forced breeding attempt resulted in a dislocated hip. Unable to continue working, she was used as a “village tractor,” spending years in isolation, often chained when not in use.

Many people believe that elephants sleep standing up, but this is a common misconception. When elephants feel safe and comfortable, they will lie down to sleep deeply. At Elephant Nature Park, this simple act is one of the clearest signs that an elephant feels secure.

Elephants are deeply social animals, and the herd is at the heart of their lives. When elephants are free to live as elephants, connected to nature and to each other, their deep family relationships naturally unfold. Within these family groups, every member is connected through touch, sound, scent, and even subtle vibrations, creating a strong sense of belonging, security, and calm.

For elephants, water is far more than a simple drink. It is a lifeline that supports their health, comfort, and happiness every single day. An adult elephant can drink 150 to 200 liters of water daily, but water plays an even greater role than hydration alone. Bathing and swimming are essential parts of an elephant’s natural routine. When elephants have the opportunity to bathe regularly, their skin stays hydrated, healthy, and smooth rather than dry and cracked.

At Elephant Nature Park, Thong Ae is known as a true social butterfly—an elephant whose warmth and curiosity allow her to float effortlessly from one herd to another. Each day, she moves across the fields with purpose and joy, checking in on friends, lifting spirits, and bringing a sense of connection wherever she goes.

Each year on March 13, Thailand observes Thai Elephant Day, a special occasion dedicated to honoring elephants, the country’s most iconic symbol, and raising awareness of the importance of protecting them for future generations. Elephants hold a deep place in Thailand’s history and culture. Intelligent, sensitive, and deeply social, they form strong family bonds and express remarkable empathy and affection within their herds. Their presence has long been woven into the story of the nation.

Mae Lanna and Sao Yai wander side by side through the forested hills, moving at their own unhurried pace. Years ago, this land behind Elephant Nature Park was leased from the local community and carefully restored into a flourishing natural forest where these elephants can roam and forage.

An elephant’s trunk is one of the most extraordinary structures in the animal kingdom. Far more than just a nose, it is a fusion of the upper lip and nose, composed of more than 40,000 muscle bundles that give it immense strength and astonishing precision.