Meet “LittleGem”

The newest elephant at Mae Taeng Elephant Park!  Born at 12.30 am on Monday 20th August 2012 to Nong New. 

Little Gem’s birth was very traumatic.  She was rejected by her mother from the moment she was born.  Nong New refused to let her feed and physically pushed her away.  It was only the determined efforts of the Park vet Pakkanut Bansiddhi, or Im as she is known to her friends, Im’s assistant, Pejoy and numerous mahouts, such as Lec, Samporn, David, Oman and others that they managed to bring Little Gem safely through the long day and following night.  The next day, Nong New had calmed down and started to accept her baby, although Little Gen was reticent at first to approach her mother.  Once again, it was the resolute fortitude of the Mahouts and their determination that the baby shouldn’t starve that saved Little Gem,s life.  They physically held the baby to her mother’s teats and taught her to suckle her mother’s milk.

It is now 72 hours since Little Gem came into the world and we are pleased to say that she appears to be doing fine.  The mahouts take it in turns throughout the day and night to be present with both mother and baby to see that both elephants are fed on a rgular basis and that they want for nothing.  This routine will continue until everyone is satisfied that the baby is no longer in any danger.