At Chiang Mai Elephant Land, every elephant has its own story. Some arrived after years of hard work in logging or tourism, while others were born here safely in the forest. Each elephant has a unique personality — gentle, playful, curious, or wise — and together they form a close-knit family.
Visiting us is more than just seeing elephants. It’s a chance to walk beside them, learn their stories, and help support a future where they can live freely, happily, and with care.
Mashaw is the heart of our herd and the very first elephant we welcomed. For decades, she worked in the logging trade along the Myanmar–Thailand border. When she arrived in 2018, she had never seen a foreign visitor or even tasted a banana.
Although her documents say she is 48 years old (as of 2024), her gentle, steady pace suggests she may be closer to 60. Mashaw is calm, wise, and deeply respected by the other elephants. Today, she spends her days roaming freely, foraging in the forest, and leading the herd with quiet strength.
Mo Phror Mae, a young female of 17 years, came to us from a Karen community on the Thai–Myanmar border. She arrived carrying her first calf, believed to have been fathered by a wild bull elephant. Her previous owners worried about providing proper care, so she found a new home here.
In the early hours of 14 October 2022, Mo Phror Mae gave birth in the jungle with her mahout by her side. The healthy little bull was named Horton, after the kind and caring elephant in Dr. Seuss’s story. Horton is the first elephant born at Chiang Mai Elephant Land, and he has brought joy to everyone. Curious, playful, and full of energy, he follows his mother and the herd everywhere — often stealing the spotlight during guest visits.
Mo Kee Ler is a 14-year-old female who faced unique challenges. She was injured at a young age, leaving her with a deformed nipple that made it hard to nurse a calf. In 2023, when we learned she was pregnant by a wild bull elephant, we knew she needed a safe place to give birth.
On the full moon night of 15 November 2024, during the Loi Krathong Festival of Lights, she welcomed a healthy male calf. His birth on such a special night inspired his name: La Ker Por, meaning “Moonlight Shines” in the Karen language.
As expected, nursing was difficult, and after three days our team worked with the Friends of the Asian Elephant (FAE) Foundation Hospital to give both mother and calf the support they needed. With expert care, La Ker Por was able to feed properly for the first time, and both remain under watchful care. We are hopeful that they will return to our sanctuary once the baby is strong enough to thrive on his own.
Mo Je Ter is a 38-year-old female elephant who came to us from a Karen Hill Tribe community in the Thai–Myanmar border region. She arrived at Chiang Mai Elephant Land already about one year into pregnancy and was believed to have conceived with a wild bull elephant from the herds that roam in that area. Her previous caretakers were concerned about providing proper care for the expectant mother and her baby, and requested that we offer a safe and secure environment for them.
The birth of Mo Je Ter’s calf was announced by a loud trumpet call in the early hours of February 24th, 2025. When her mahout hurried through the jungle, he arrived to find Mo Je Ter gently helping her newborn son take his first steps.
To choose the baby’s name, we gathered name suggestions from our international visitors over February 24–26. We received 12 suggestions, and with help from the children and families of our camp staff, we narrowed them down to three:
On March 6th, after a final round of voting, the calf was officially named Dumbo.
Every day is a new adventure for Dumbo as he follows the herd through the jungle and plays around visitors. He is very curious, energetic and playful, continually trying to master new skills as he copies his mother.
Every elephant at Chiang Mai Elephant Land is a reminder of the resilience and beauty of these incredible animals. From Mashaw’s wisdom to Dumbo’s playful energy and La Ker Por’s first steps, each story shows the difference that care, compassion, and a safe sanctuary can make.
By visiting us, you are helping support these elephants’ freedom, health, and happiness. Your presence allows them to roam, forage, and thrive in an environment where they are respected and loved. Come meet them and see firsthand how a life of care can transform their world.
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you have questions about our tours, want help planning your visit, or simply wish to learn more about our elephants, our team is here to help.
You can reach us easily by email, phone, or through our contact form. We’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.
+66 (0)86 658 9122
Address:
Chiangmai Elephant Land 57 Kotchasarn Road, Changklan, Chiang Mai 50100 (Google Map)
Tel & WhatsApp: +66 (0)86 658 9122
Email: [email protected]
