Elephant Nature Foundation
Meet the Elephants

— Phu Pa —

Born around 1985, Phu Pa (which means big mountain or cliff) is the youngest adult male at Elephant Nature Park. He came to the Park as a leased elephant in 2004, accompanied by his blood related aunt, Mae Elu.

Phu Pa was brought here specifically because of his ‘reproductive prowess’ to broaden the gene pool. He is known for his healthy interest in the female species. He could have been an impressive tusker, but when he was younger, his tusks were cut down too short and the nerves died, so they did not grow back.

Before arriving at Elephant Nature Park, Phu Pa worked at a trekking camp with his aunt. On arrival to the Park, Phu Pa was rather thin, but generally in good health. He has experienced a few short, pre-adulthood musth periods during his stay at the Park. This marks the transition from teenager to manhood, where before he could be bullied by some of the older Park females, now he is no longer so easily intimidated. His child-like streak, however is still apparent. Even though he is over 20yrs old, he can often be seen playing with the youngsters Hope and Tong Suk. Quite frequently the last one to come out of the river when it is time to bathe, Phu Pa prefers instead to frolic and wrestle in the water.

Many visitors remember Phu Pa for his outgoing personality and amorous adventures. His advances are not welcomed by all of the females though, sometimes earning him harsh rejection. Nonetheless, Phu Pa seems determined to continue to spread his genes, and aspires to be the permanent ‘Casanova’ of the Park for years to come.

————   Phu Pa Leaves Elephant Nature Park   ————

Sadly, Phu Pa was taken back by his owner in 2008 and is no longer a resident of Elephant Nature Park. We miss him dearly, and hope he is well wherever he is now.

To learn more about the histories and personalities of our elephants, please click on any of the links below.
 


Dok Ngern



Faa Sai



Hope



Jokia



Khum Min



Lilly



Mae Boon Ma



Mae Bua Kham



Mae Bua Loy



Mae Bua Tong



Mae Dta Keow



Mae Geao



Mae Keow



Mae Kham Geao



Mae Kham Sai



Mae Lanna



Mae Perm



Malai Tong



Medo



Mintra



Somboon



Sri Nuan



Taa Raa (Jarunee)



Thai



Tong Jan



Tong Suk (Jungle Boy)


— Gone But Not Forgotten —

Sadly, some elephants come to the Park not as permanent members of our herd, but only as temporary guests. We do all that we can in order to purchase them from their owners so that they never have to leave, but in some cases we are not successful. These elephants have been taken back by their owners and are sorely missed.
 


Mae Boon and Aura



Mae Elu



Mae Toh Koh and Pupia



Phu Pa


— In Loving Memory —

These beloved members of our herd have passed away, but they will live forever in our hearts and minds.
 


Boon Khum (BK)



Mae Bia



Mae Mai



Maximus (Max)