Faa Mai’s Morning Rituals

Faa Mai is the guiding light of the Thong Ae family. Each morning brings a fresh spectacle of joy and excitement as they gather to greet the day. Trumpeting, trunk thumping, squeaks, and low rumbling echo across the valley. Some mornings, she breaks into an eager dash toward a mahout and on others, she races straight for the river—all in excitement for the day ahead.

Once the initial celebration with her family settles, Faa Mai seeks out the babies in the park. There are cheerful vocalizations, gentle touches, and curious trunk sniffs—each a tender greeting rich with meaning. It’s as if she’s checking in on them, using all her senses to be sure every little one is content and well. The babies clearly adore her attention.

Afterward, she often leads them to the corn stalks, and lately her newest adventure has been guiding them toward one of the “off-limits” flower gardens for a delicious snack. The garden is surrounded by stone pillars, just high enough to prevent the elephants from stepping over them. If the young ones can’t quite reach the treats with their trunks, Faa Mai patiently allows them to “sneak” food from her mouth. It is a hilarious and precious scene to witness.

Faa Mai is kind and deeply respected by all the elephants at Elephant Nature Park, embodying a remarkable blend of strength and gentleness. She can call the group together in celebration or maintain order calmly when needed. Yet her greatest joy is revealed in the time she spends with the little ones.