Explore the story of a heartfelt reunion between Mae GohGae, a graceful 54-year-old mother elephant, and her 35-year-old daughter Mayura.
This heartwarming story about a recent reunion between two elephants at ChangChill sanctuary in Chiang Mai, Thailand was written by Roatchana (Nui) Sungthong, Country Director of World Animal Protection Thailand.
Some stories stay with you forever. This one took place in Chiang Mai, at ChangChill—an elephant-friendly venue that has become a symbol of hope and change in Thailand.
Meet Mae GohGae, a graceful 54-year-old mother, and her daughter Mayura, 35. Their lives tell a story of heartbreak and healing. For years, they were apart—sent to different venues, and at times even working in harsh conditions on the Thailand–Myanmar border. Then, in 2018, fate brought them back together. Since that moment, they’ve been inseparable.
ChangChill itself is special to me. It was the very first elephant-friendly venue that World Animal Protection helped transform. From a conventional tourism site—where people once rode and bathed elephants—ChangChill became a sanctuary where elephants live more naturally, and visitors simply observe them from a distance. No touching, no riding, no pressure—just elephants being elephants.
A few days ago, I heard about something that touched me deeply. Mayura, the daughter, wasn’t feeling well. She had to be taken to an elephant hospital. For two long days and nights, her mother cried out for her—imagine the sound of a mother calling desperately for her child. My heart broke just hearing about it.
The good news? It turned out to be something simple—constipation! During the monsoon season, elephants often drink less water, which can cause digestive issues. And here’s the funny twist: as soon as Mayura arrived at the hospital, she finally relieved herself. Her mahout laughed and said she must have been “afraid of the doctor.” With that, her symptoms disappeared—no treatment needed!
But the most magical part was what happened when Mayura returned home earlier today. We received videos of the reunion. Mae GohGae was quietly eating when she suddenly realized her daughter was back. She immediately stopped eating, spun around, and ran toward her, trumpeting with joy: “Prrrrannnnn!” The two greeted each other with flapping ears, excited calls, and tender trunk touches. Elephants have a special way of saying “I missed you”—by touching each other’s genitals with their trunks, a sign of deep affection between females. It may sound surprising, but it’s pure elephant love.
Watching them reunite reminded me once again of the depth of elephant emotions. They grieve, they celebrate, they love—just like us.
In Thai, Mae means Mother. And Mae GohGae’s love for Mayura shows exactly why.
This story lifted my spirit and touched my soul. And that’s why I had to share it with you.
If you ever travel to Thailand, I encourage you to choose elephant-friendly venues like ChangChill. By simply observing elephants in their natural environment, you become part of a movement that gives them the freedom, dignity, and family bonds they deserve.