Who could imagine land mine victim Sriprae could now be this content

Wed 13 Dec 23
News from Elephant Nature Park

It is difficult to imagine the trauma SriPrae experienced and the pain she suffered from the landmine injury whilst being used to move heavy logs in Tak province all those years ago. And it’s also hard for us to appreciate the experiences she endured in forced breeding programs, by an owner that eventually gave up without results, selling her to be rescued.

So today, when we watch SriPrae taking leisurely dips in the river, basking in the sunshine, without any apparent care in the world, we can perhaps recognise that SriPrae has been able to heal some of her injuries and find a path to becoming at one with herself.

Happy 13th Rescue Anniversary to our Beautiful Sri Prae

Sri Prae’s first job was working in illegal logging in Tak Province, where she had the great misfortune of stepping on a landmine. She spent two difficult years in rehabilitation at the elephant hospital in Lampang, after which she was considered unable to work, and so forced into a breeding program.

Sat 04 Nov 23

Elephant Friends Enjoy the swollen river at Elephant Nature Park

A tender moment between two close friends - Ponsawan and Mintra in the fast flowing river Ponsawan loves fast water. She loves the deep water, and anticipates the water level rise after every rain storm at Elephant Nature Park. Mintra is more timid, and checks with her friend if it’s ok to go swimming.

Sun 17 Sep 23

Flashback Friday 8 September 2023: A short story of our handsome young bull named Navaan

Navaan (meaning “gold” in Cambodian) was born at Elephant Nature Park in the early hours of October 28, 2012, to a chorus of trumpeting and elephant gossip. Navaan will never work and will never have his spirit broken in a phajaan. He was so adorable as a baby, and such a winsome lad growing up within a family of ever expanding Nannies.

Fri 08 Sep 23

Elephant of the Week 31 July 2023: Jokia

Jokia joined our elephant family in 1997. Mae Perm, the Park’s first rescue, embraced her right away when they met and they were best friends until Mae Perm passed in 2016. Through Mae Perm, Jokia was introduced to many elephants, and, most significantly, to SriPrae who took Jokia into her family when Mae Perm died. Jokia became nanny to Navaan and the closest friend to his mother.

Mon 31 Jul 23

landmine survivor elephant of the ponsawan calls her friends to run through the forest in the sanctuary of elephant nature park

Elephant of the Week 10 July 2023: Landmine Survivor Ponsawan

Ponsawan is a former logging elephant and unfortunate landmine victim who was rescued by Save Elephant Foundation in August 2011 from illegal logging. She is now 29 years old. She truly loves her life of freedom in the sanctuary of Elephant Nature Park, and does not hesitate to express that. When the river is particularly high, she will be even more excited, and loves to run into the forest, always calling her friends to join with her.

Mon 10 Jul 23

land mine victim thaikoon rushes to meet her friends at elephant nature park

Handicapped elephant Thaikoon reacts to her friends voices and runs to join them

Thaikoon is one of the elephants at Elephant Nature Park who was and still is a land mine victim. She carries the scars of her past everywhere she goes. Despite her handicap from a landmine accident, she is able to walk & also walk faster when she is in a hurry. When her friends Tilly and Khampuan call out for her, she quickly rushes to meet up with her favourite companions who roar their excitement and longing for her at Elephant Nature Park.

Wed 05 Jul 23

SriPrae gives birth to Navaan at Elephant Nature Park

Rescued Elephant SriPrae gives birth to Navaan

She never presented any signs she was pregnant, so we were quite surprised to hear the elephant commotion in the early morning, said Sangduen Lek Chailert, the founder of Save Elephant Foundation. Given the long gestation period of elephants and the lack of fertile bulls at Elephant Nature Park upon SriPrae’s arrival at the park, we are convinced she was already pregnant when we rescued her. We have so many false pregnancies at the park we never suspected she might have been carrying a baby.

Thu 29 Jun 23

SriPrae the Landmine Victim cleans her foot with a stick at Elephant Nature Park

Victim of a landmine Elephant SriPrae uses a stick to clean her scar

Scientists often say that only animals with a thumb can use tools. Clearly elephants do not have thumbs but their trunks are extremely versatile.
In this video we see SriPrae clearing mud from the crevice where her foot joins her leg, the site of the landmine injury, with a stick she holds in her trunk.

Sun 25 Jun 23

More News from Elephant Nature Park