Such Devotion

Mae Perm and Jokia

Mae Perm (My-perm)was the first elephant to come to the park and at 89 years-old she holds the role of grandmother. While it's unknown if she's ever had a baby of her own, she is very maternal and takes all of the younger elephants under her wing. The babies just love her.

Jokia (Joe-key-uh) was previously a logging elephant and even though she was heavy with child, her owner made her work anyway. She ended up delivering her baby on the logging trail in the middle of the jungle. The baby died and Jokia was so distressed she refused to work. As punishment her owner shot her with a slingshot, blinding her in one eye. Later she was shot in the other eye with a crossbow, rendering her completely blind. When Lek brought her to the park Mae Perm befriended her and has been Jokia's eyes ever since.

One day while I was feeding Jokia at the feeding platform another elephant came over and started picking on her. Oooh, Mae Perm was so pissed she chased that elephant all the way to the river. As soon as Jokia realized Mae Perm was gone, she let out some worried rumbles and a few small squeeks to which Mae Perm replied with her own reassuring trumpet as she ambled back over to Jokia. They touched trunks and when Jokia felt safe again she moved back over to the feeding platform to finish her lunch. It was beautiful to witness such friendship and dedication.