When elephants show love
Blog
After two restless days apart, a mother and daughter elephant are back together again, reminding us how strong the family bond between the elephants is!
Meet Mae Gohgae, a graceful 54-year-old mother, and her daughter Mayura, 35. For years, they lived apart, entertaining tourists and sometimes even working in harsh conditions along the Thailand–Myanmar border. Then, in 2018, they were finally reunited at ChangChill — an elephant-friendly venue where elephants can simply be themselves. No riding. No touching. Just elephants living naturally, roaming freely in the forest and foraging for food.
Since that day, they’ve been inseparable. But recently, Mayura fell ill and had to spend two days at an elephant hospital. During that time, Mae Gohgae cried out for her daughter. Imagine the sound of a mother calling for her child. It was heartbreaking to hear her. It was a heart-wrenching reminder of how deep elephant bonds run.
The good news? It turned out to be nothing serious. Mayura was diagnosed with constipation, a common issue in monsoon season when elephants drink less water. And in a funny twist, she finally relieved herself the moment she arrived at the hospital. Her carers laughed that she must have been “afraid of the doctor.”
The most magical moment came when Mayura returned home. Mae Gohgae was quietly eating when she suddenly realized her daughter was back. She spun around, ran to her side, and trumpeted with joy. The two greeted each other with flapping ears, rumbling calls and tender trunk touches — their own way of saying “I missed you.”
Elephants grieve, they celebrate, they love — just like us. And thanks to supporters like you, Mayura and Mae Gohgae can share their lives together in safety, care and freedom.
Video captions:
Mayura spent a couple of days at a vet hospital.
Here’s what happened when she returned home...
Her mother, Mae Gohgae, who has been crying out for her for two days and nights, realizes her daughter is back and runs towards her, trumpeting with joy!
They greet each other with flapping ears, excited calls and tender trunk touches.
Watching them reunite reminds us of the depth of elephant emotions. They grieve, they celebrate and they love. Just like us. 🧡
💕🐘🐘