Buddhist monks from Wat Traimit in Bangkok recently blessed twin baby elephants born to mother Chamchuri in Ayutthaya, Thailand. The rare event took place on June 7 at the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace & Royal Kraal. The newborn twins, a male and a female, are the fourth and fifth offspring of their 30-year-old mother. Following the birth, monks visited to perform blessing ceremonies as part of merit-making traditions. Twin elephant births are uncommon, and male-female twins are even rarer, making this occurrence particularly special.
The twins’ birth nearly turned tragic, as the mother unexpectedly gave birth to a second offspring just 18 minutes after the first. This surprise second birth caught the elephant caretakers off guard, with one mahout, Charin Somwang, stepping in between the mother and her new daughter to prevent any harm. Sadly, Charin ended up breaking his leg during the chaos, but the newborn female was thankfully unharmed. Following the incident, both babies were deemed healthy, much to the relief of their caretakers and the monks who had come to bless them.
The birth of the twin elephants in Ayutthaya, a popular tourist destination in Thailand located 50 miles north of Bangkok, garnered attention as a unique and fortunate event. In Thai culture, elephants hold a special significance and are considered a symbol of the nation’s identity. Once used in traditional practices such as the logging trade and even for transportation in battle by Thai kings, elephants have gradually transitioned to being revered and protected animals. Despite the diminishing wild elephant population, many elephants now reside in animal shelters or are utilized in the tourism industry.
Elephants are a significant part of Thai history and culture, with the iconic animal holding a revered place in the national identity. The birth of the twin elephants in Ayutthaya was particularly remarkable, given the rarity of such an occurrence. The monks from Wat Traimit in Bangkok played a central role in blessing the newborns, marking the occasion with traditional ceremonies and rituals. The birth serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting elephants in Thailand, ensuring their well-being and continued existence for generations to come.
The incident at the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace & Royal Kraal shed light on the challenges faced by caretakers and mahouts in ensuring the safety and health of elephants during unexpected events such as twin births. Despite the initial shock and chaos, both the twins and their mother are now thriving and receiving the necessary care and attention from their caretakers. The monks’ presence and blessings added a spiritual element to the occasion, emphasizing the cultural significance of elephants in Thai society and the importance of celebrating and protecting these majestic animals.
The twins’ birth in Ayutthaya represents a momentous and joyful occasion for all involved, marking a rare and heartwarming event in Thailand. The care and support provided by the elephant camp staff, mahouts, monks, and local community members reflect a dedication to the well-being and conservation of these magnificent creatures. As the twins continue to grow and thrive under the watchful eye of their caretakers, their story serves as a reminder of the enduring bond between humans and elephants in Thai culture and the ongoing efforts to safeguard and cherish these beloved animals.
