RIP Pisamy

It is with immense sadness to let you know that today we lost our beautiful old girl Pisamy. Pisamy's health had been deteriorating lately. She was showing signs that her immune system was not responding. This quite often happens to the older elephants towards the end of their life. We did everything we could to give her a fighting chance but she did not respond to treatment. Today she stopped eating and wanted to go to the river. She had a little swim and then died. Thank you to all those that looked after Pisamy over the years and contributed to making her final years as comfortable and loving as they could be. We at Elephantstay will miss her terribly but immensely grateful that she was a part of our lives for so many years. We would be grateful if you shared photos and memories of Pisamy on her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Elephantstay.Pisamy

BIRTH ALERT: BABY NO. 60

Wandek gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl on 27 November 2014 at 2.09am. The little one is called Bua Sawan which means lotus from heaven. This is Wandek's 4th baby; both mum and baby are happy and healthy. Our 60th successful birth since 2000!

CNN filming at Elephantstay

CNN International came to Elephantstay and the Royal Elephant Kraal on 11 November to find out what has been happening here since the floods. Ewa was interviewed, she explained current issues about elephants in Thailand and talked about elephant protection, conservation, our elephants and the babies.

RIP Boonlua

8 November 2014: Today has been bittersweet. Rejoicing because we have a beautiful new baby elephant but crying as we say goodbye to our precious and much loved Boonlua. Boonlua was a fighter. His legs and one arm were ripped apart in a vicious dog attack, yet he struggled to live on, dragging himself to a temple were he found help. He came to the Royal Elephant Kraal in 2005. Michelle took over his care after the flood of 2006. He thrived despite his disability. Michelle designed a custom made cage for him. Although we spent time with him, as we got busy we felt he needed a companion. We gave him rabbits and a guinea pig over the years he was with us. He loved having them with him and would groom them often. Boonlua's story went worldwide on the internet.He was featured in a New York times best seller "Unlikely Loves" stories about inter species relationships. Recently Boonlua was even featured in a TED talk. Boonlua loved our Elephantstay guests. He would allow them to scratch his back. He would even hold their fingers in his little hand. But if you pulled away he would tighten his grip, to let you know he was not finished with you. One of his most endearing traits. Boonlua lived a happy, fulfilled and content life.
Boonlua you gave so much to so many people. May you be at peace. You will always be remembered and live in our hearts. We love you Boonlua.

Michelle and Ewa placed a beautiful Frangipani plant on Boonlua's resting place. RIP Boonlua.

Birth alert

We are pleased to announce that Baitoi gave birth to her second baby. Her little baby boy Supalert was born at 2.30am on 8th November 2014. Both mum and baby are happy and healthy. He is the 59th baby born at the Royal Elephant Kraal since 2000.

Loi Krathong

Yesterday was Loi Krathong, a festival celebrated annually throughout Thailand. The name could be translated as "to float a basket", and comes from the tradition of making krathong (decorated baskets).
We made krathongs from banana trunks and decorated them with folded banana leaves, flowers, candles and incense sticks. At 8pm we went down to the river, the candles and incense was lit, we made wishes and floated our Krathongs on the water. Lanterns were also lit and sent off into the night sky. Thanks to Gik, Nook, Tar, Naamwan for showing us and helping!

Elephantastic event - a ‘Stayers’ reunion & fundraising BBQ!

Michelle Reedy & Ewa Narkiewicz, (Elephantstay Program Managers) are taking a short break in Melbourne so we're taking the opportunity to have an elephant community get-together! All past visitors and wannabes very welcome.

Date: 6 December at 13:00–23:00 in UTC+11 (Melbourne time)
Venue: 17 Farnan St, Northcote, Melbourne (access via laneway in Jessie St)

Food and some soft drinks will be provided.
Definitely BYO alcohol!

There will be fabulous goodies for sale and auctions throughout the event so bring your piggy bank.

Cost: $25 pp. Preferably pay ahead by EFT to CBA BSB 063155 Acct No 10216748 (with your name) or by cash on the day.

RSVP needed for catering purposes: jen.e.maximus@gmail.com or m: 0400 594 773

Volunteer Update

Elephantstay welcomes our newest volunteer Anne Wilkinson! Anne has volunteered with us before and is joining us again for 3 months as Program Operations Officer. We and the elephants are looking forward to Anne's contribution to the elephant village!

Video: The experience of a lifetime

Elephantstayer Brandon Dean made a short video about his time at Elephantstay, the Royal Elephant Kraal and Village. He calls it the experience of a lifetime.

Video Royal Elephant Kraal and Village