Mae Bounmah

History:

This elephant’s journey to the ECC was nothing short of remarkable. She was one of 13 elephants rescued by the Lao government from the brink of illegal export. They had already arrived at Vientiane International Airport, ready to be shipped abroad, when the Prime Minister intervened, declaring the sale illegal and halting it at the last moment. Having endured years of training to perform circus tricks, she now enjoys the chance to live freely in the company of 16 other elephants at the ECC. Known for her very maternal nature, she has taken on the role of a foster mother to Do Kham Meuang, providing love and support to the young calf.

Since her arrival, she has been rewilded to the Nam Pouy Protected Area, a vast expanse of 192,000 hectares, where she now roams freely in a natural habitat. Her future here is filled with the dignity and respect she always deserved, and we hope she and her herd will play a key role in the regeneration of the Lao elephant population through the ECC’s dedicated breeding programme.

Distinguishing features: Small cuts on the left ear and a large oval cut on the right ear.

Personality traits: Very maternal, foster mother to Dor Khoun Meuang.

Maternity: No known calves.

  • Gender: Female
  • Year of birth:1981
  • Arrived at the ECC: 2018
  • Weight (2019): 2649kg
Jimmy Beunardeau