Mae Mah

The beautiful Mae Mah in the forests of Laos

Mae Mah remains a central and stabilising presence within the herd. Her close bond with Mae Noy continues to define the social fabric of the group — the two are consistently found together, rarely separated, and frequently seen engaging in the kind of gentle, reassuring behaviours that speak to the deep emotional intelligence of elephants. Trunk touches, close proximity, and quiet companionship characterise their relationship, and it is a joy to observe.

As the young male Dor Khoun Meuang has begun to mature and range more independently, Mae Mah has navigated this shifting dynamic with characteristic grace. When the two interact, she handles his occasional youthful attempts to assert himself with a calm confidence that reflects her strong and settled personality. Despite these moments, their interactions remain warm and socially cohesive - a reassuring sign that the herd's relationships, while naturally evolving, remain stable and healthy.

We love this beautiful video of Mae Mah with Dor Khoun Meuang Mae Noy and Mae Boun in the forest.

Mae Mah's health continues to be excellent. Her body condition is strong, a reflection of her impressive foraging ability and the rich, protected habitat she now calls home. She is thriving in every sense of the word, and her wellbeing is a powerful testament to what the release program makes possible for formerly captive elephants.

Pleasingly, there have been no incidents of human-elephant conflict during this period. The herd has remained well within the forest, and the surrounding communities have reported no concerns - a quiet but important marker of the program's success.

Mae Mah's story is one of resilience, intelligence, and the remarkable capacity of elephants to flourish when given the freedom to live naturally. She is exactly where she belongs.

Your kindness and support make all this possible. Thank you for standing by Mae Mah and helping her thrive as a true matriarch of her herd.