A New Day of Joy: The Story of Wan Mai and Her Loving Herd
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by
scott
At our sanctuary, few sights bring as much enjoyment as watching a young elephant thrive in the complete safety of her family. For six-year-old Wan Mai, whose name translates to “New Day,” life is now filled with muddy hill climbs, playful time in the river, and constant affection. Her journey began on June 7, 2020, when the tiny five-week-old calf and her mother, Mae Mai, were rescued from a Chiang Mai trekking camp. Saved from a grim life tethered in a cramped concrete pen, mother and baby stepped off the transport truck and into a bright new world where their lives were transformed into a story of freedom, loving care, and endless adventures. Meanwhile, BunMa, who had previously been forced to perform circus tricks, ride bicycles, and paint pictures for tourists, was kept bound by a short chain. Recognizing their dire situation, Save Elephant Foundation swung into action to secure their rescue on August 11, 2021.
Rescue Day for Wan Mai & Mae Mai
Wan Mai & Mae Mai A Few Months After Rescue
Today, Wan Mai has blossomed into a confident, spirited, and wonderfully chatty young elephant. She lights up the sanctuary grounds each morning with her signature chirps, cheerful squeals, and spontaneous squeaky trumpets. Always full of playful energy, and sometimes adorably cheeky, Wan Mai also likes to steal away for a while on her own to explore.
What makes Wan Mai’s world so unique is the multi-generational family that surrounds her. Her mother, Mae Mai, remains her steadfast source of loving care and wisdom. Even as Wan Mai continues to mature, she still loves to nurse from time to time while exchanging gentle trunk touches with her Mama before taking off again on a little adventure. Nearby, her protective adoptive big sister, Bai Teoy, happily joins them for energetic treks up muddy slopes, while Grandma Mee Boon and Grandma Mai Thai contentedly keep their feet planted on the level ground below.
Among these family connections, few relationships are as moving as the bond between Wan Mai and her blind nanny, Grandma Mee Boon. In a world of darkness, Mee Boon navigates the sanctuary with remarkable ease by relying on the sweet, high-pitched calls of her young guide. Wan Mai softly vocalizes as she leads Mee Boon down to the river bank, where the pair share quiet swims and serene moments together, highlighting the profound empathy that defines elephant social structures. Often, her entire herd gathers in the river to splash, cool off, and enjoy the buoyant energy of playing together as a whole family.
Whether sliding down slippery, rain-soaked earth mounds, chasing oversized balls through the fields and pool, or wandering through leafy trails alongside her family, Wan Mai embodies the ideal of sanctuary life: providing a secure home where rescued elephants can enjoy a safe haven, be spontaneous, nurture their natural bonds, and simply be elephants.
