The Comfort of Friendship: Mae Koy, Maliwan, and Kham Paeng
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by
scott
Rescuing an elephant and bringing them to a sanctuary where they are safe from harm, in truth, is only the beginning of their journey. The true healing begins when they are given the chance to belong to a herd once again. No medicine can heal deep emotional scars as completely as the companionship of their own kind. A herd is more than a group of elephants—it is a family, a safe space where fear is replaced by trust and loneliness gives way to a profound sense of belonging. Many people don’t realize how many captive elephants live in isolation from their natural social world.
The inspiring journey of Mae Koy, Maliwan, and Kham Paeng is a testament to this transformative power. Rescued during the COVID-19 pandemic from tourist riding camps, all three arrived at the sanctuary severely underweight, carrying the hidden damage of past hardships. Maliwan and Mae Koy made the long, challenging journey from Koh Chang on 3 June 2020, crossing the ocean by ferry before arriving safely at the park. Maliwan bore the physical reminder of a brutal knife injury to her trunk, while Kham Paeng, who arrived after her own rescue from Kanchanaburi in February 2021, carried deep scars of her own.
Though Kham Paeng was initially a loner when she first arrived at the park during the pandemic, she eventually found her way to Mae Koy and Maliwan. Together, these three elderly elephants have chosen one another, forming an unbreakable bond and a harmonious family unit.
Today, they walk side by side, caring for and protecting each other every single day. Whether they are exploring the forest pantry for their favorite plants, taking a refreshing mud and dust bath, or enjoying the cool, relaxing waters of the river, their happiness radiates through joyful trumpets, soft rumbles, and gentle trunk touches. Because Maliwan’s trunk injury left a hole in the middle and likely caused nerve damage below, she touches her friends with that unique part—a tender demonstration of the affection and trust they share.
Watching them move through the landscape together reminds us of why rescue matters so much. They are no longer bound by their pasts. Instead, they are thriving—healthy, happy, and fully embracing the freedom to simply be elephants as a family.
We extend our gratitude to Dina Khan, as well as Gentle Giants and all the kind-hearted supporters who made the rescue of these elephants possible. Thank you for giving these beautiful beings the peaceful forever home they so deserve, surrounded by the comfort of friendship. May they live long, happy lives together.