In an event that has captured the hearts of many, the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal in Thailand has become the birthplace of a rare set of elephant twins.
The twins' arrival has sparked joy and a flurry of excitement among conservationists and animal lovers alike.
The Miracle Unfolds
MANAN VATSYAYANA/AFP via Getty Images
On the night of June 7, 2024, Jamjuree, a 36-year-old Asian elephant, went into labor. The first calf, a robust male weighing 176 pounds, was born without incident.
However, the birth of the second calf, a female weighing 132 pounds, took everyone by surprise, occurring a mere 18 minutes later.
The unexpected arrival of the second calf caused Jamjuree to react with confusion and distress, leading her to attack the newborn female.
In a dramatic turn of events, the mahouts, or elephant keepers, sprang into action to protect the calf. Amidst the chaos, one mahout suffered an injury to his ankle while ensuring the safety of the baby elephant.
Adapting to a New Reality
The initial turmoil has since settled, and Jamjuree has accepted her twin calves. To accommodate their small stature, a special platform has been constructed to aid them in reaching their mother to nurse.
Additionally, the twins are being given supplemental milk via syringe to ensure they receive the necessary nourishment for their growth and development.
The father of the twins, a 29-year-old elephant named Siam, along with the rest of the elephant community, has welcomed the new additions.
In keeping with Thai tradition, the twins will be named seven days after their birth, a ceremony that is eagerly anticipated by those involved in their care.
The birth of elephant twins is an exceedingly rare occurrence, with such events accounting for only about one percent of all elephant births.
The survival of these twins is particularly noteworthy, as elephant mothers typically do not produce enough milk to sustain two calves.
In the wild, this could have led to a tragic outcome, but thanks to the intervention and care provided by the mahouts, these twins have a fighting chance.
The significance of this event extends beyond the rarity of the birth. Asian elephants are an endangered species, with only about 8,000-11,000 remaining in the wild across Southeast Asia and China.
Deforestation, human encroachment, and poaching have severely impacted their populations. The successful birth and survival of these twins represent a glimmer of hope for the conservation of this majestic species.
The Road Ahead
The Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal, which is home to many of the 80 elephants, plays a crucial role in the conservation efforts for Asian elephants.
Many of the elephants at the center were rescued from street begging, a practice that became prevalent after a 1989 ban on logging left mahouts and their elephants without a source of income. This practice was eventually outlawed in 2010.
Today, the center focuses on providing a sanctuary for these elephants, offering them a chance to socialize, exercise, and promote conservation awareness.
While some conservation groups oppose elephant riding, arguing it is stressful for the animals, the center maintains that the rides allow the elephants to engage in activity and contribute to their well-being.
As the twins grow and thrive under the watchful eyes of their caregivers, they serve as ambassadors for their species, reminding us of the beauty of nature and the importance of conservation efforts.
Their birth is not just a cause for celebration but also a call to action to protect and preserve the Asian elephant for future generations
