Faa Mai and Chong Yim

Faa Mai and Chong Yim heading to lunch w/their families.

Little sweet girl Faa Mai was born on April 17, 2009, and is the first baby ever born at the park. Her mother, Mae Bua Thong, and her older sister, Tong Jan, were rescued together from a trekking camp and brought to the park in 2005. Faa Mai is very sweet and you can tell she is made of 'sugar and spice and everything nice', but she is a toddler and acts like it!

Mischievous little Chong Yim was born on July 12, 2009. His mother, Dok Ngern, was rescued by Antionette Van de Water of Bring the Elephant Home. Antoinette was unexpectedly at the park the night he was born. Isn't karma beautiful?

Being a boy, he is very active. He likes to grab things (like cameras, hands, purses) from the visitors and volunteers. You have to be very careful around him b/c he's quick and he's strong. He's a typical toddler, getting into everything. I love him.

Because Faa Mai and Chong Yim were born at the park, they will never be taken from their mothers.They will never work as logging elephants or street beggars.They will never undergo the cruel phajaan training to break them of their will and spirit in order to teach them to perform for tourists. Instead they will enjoy freedom and love. Forever.

Faa Mai entering the world