The Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal celebrated their 25th elephant birth this morning just after midnight with Princess MC Rangsinoppadol Ukol present to witness the extraordinary event.
Princess MC Rangsinoppadol Ukol, renowned animal activist and conservation warrior was thrilled as the new baby was born with a wishing star in the sky. The Princess named the baby Muenlan, meaning many millions. ?Rasamee (the mother) is beautiful both in nature and structure and the baby reflects her attributes. I believe she is very special and she will be instrumental in helping to create the funds to make this place world famous.?
Princess Rangsinoppadol is keen for the story of Ayutthaya and the King?s elephants to continue. ?I love this place as it is retaining the old traditions and is reestablishing the Royal Field which belonged to the King and his elephants.?
The owner of the elephants Mr Lythongrien Meepan was extremely happy. ?For many hundreds of years this has been the Royal Kraal and it is particularly special tonight that the elephants and a member of the royal family have come together again on this most auspicious of occasions.?
It is the 25th successful birth since the first baby; Plaiphetmanee was born in February 2000. The breeding program is vital to ensure the survival of highly endangered Asian elephants. The incredible success of the program is based on the simple fact that healthy, happy elephants breed. ?Our elephants enjoy the highest standard of care and we aim to serve as a model for other working elephant camps,? said the owner Mr Laithongrien Meepan.
The cutting edge breeding program uses a selection process based on temperament and structure. Prai Wang the father is aged 30 and has been at the Kraal for over four years and fathered two babies. Muenlan is also Rasamees second baby.
Asian elephants are dying quicker than they are breeding. The wild elephant population is struggling to maintain numbers with the increasing threat of human/elephant conflict and disappearing habitat. The owners of Thailand?s working elephants are often poor. Breeding their elephants means a loss of income.
At the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace, elephants give tours amongst the world heritage listed temple ruins. The elephants are involved in many festivals and religious ceremonies. ?The elephant culture in Thailand is 5000 years old. We are committed to ensuring the elephant remains a integral part of people?s lives, and is revered for being magnificent, intelligent and powerful.? Mr Meepan said. ?The noble elephant should not have to resort to begging in the streets.?
The training techniques adopted at the Kraal are a marriage of traditional and modern methods. Mr Meepan has studied historical texts written by the Kings of Thailand about elephants. Reviving these rich traditions raises the status of the mahout and elephant.
Twenty of the elephants were used in the Hollywood production of Oliver Stone?s film Alexander. The elephants learnt to simulate behaviours used in war. ?The crew, mahouts and elephants all had a great time, they (the elephants) are superstars.? said Michelle Reedy. who was on set and works at the Kraal. The film, television and advertising industry is an important source of income. These avenues also give the elephants a high profile.
Rasamee?s ,mahout, Pong is very proud. He will have been up all night keeping an eye on the new born and the mother, along with half of the village. ?It doesn?t matter how many elephant births we have here?, said the owner Mr Laithongrien Meepan, ?everybody always gets up to welcome the newborn. It brings the village community together in celebration of our new family member. We are grateful for every new life and privileged that we can give the elephants here in Thailand every chance for a great future.?. Both mother and daughter are doing well.
For additional information and pictures on the Royal Kraal?s elephant births or other projects they undertake, contact Ewa Narkiewicz or visit http://www.elephantstay.com.
The Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal is dedicated to creating a sustainable future for Thailand?s elephants.
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