Patara Elephant Conservation

Mirin’s Growth Journey is Exceeding Expectations.

While the average 1-year-old baby weighs 350–400 kg, ‘Mirin’ is happily exceeding expectations! Starting at 110 kg at birth and reaching 164.6 kg by 1.5 months, I’ve maintained a steady growth of 1 kg per day. With only 9 days until my first birthday, I’m still leveling up my chubby status.

Research indicates that healthy Asian elephant calves typically gain 0.5–1.4 kg daily. Mirin’s consistent 1 kg/day growth reflects optimal nutrition and high welfare standards. A stress-free environment directly supports the endocrine system, ensuring steady and healthy development in young calves.

Mola’s story reflects a deep emotional scar that time has never fully erased. Years ago, she lost her own biological calf, a young female only 1–2 years old under unknown circumstances, leaving behind a quiet grief and unanswered questions. Later, at Patara Elephant Conservation, Mola was given a new role as a surrogate mother to Kanya, pre-term abandoned baby for nurturing, protecting, and loving her as if she were her own, even without nursing. But tragedy struck again when Kanya fell ill and passed away from the EEHV, plunging Mola into days of visible mourning, her cries echoing the weight of her loss. Since then, a deep-seated fear remained that when a calf lies down, it may never rise again. In Mirin’s early days, when she grew sleepy and began to lie down, Mola instinctively stepped in and quickly lifted her up her protective instinct still so strong, even for a calf not her own.

Now, with a baby of her own again, time is gently healing her heart. Day by day, she is learning to trust, to love, and to hope once more. Now that Mola has a baby of her own again, time is slowly healing her heart, and with each passing day, she is learning to trust, to love, and to hope once more.

Patara Elephant Conservation is pleased to share a good news.

Mae Mola, whom many have been waiting for, safely gave birth to her baby in the early morning of March 25, 2026, at 5:37 AM, under the close care of our team.

The baby has been named Kalya, a name lovingly given by our Grandma, Pondrath in remembrance of her sister, Kanya, another beloved daughter of Mae Mola who passed away from EEHV. It honors the love, bond, and beautiful memories they shared.

Kalya comes from the Sanskrit kalyá and kalyāṇa, meaning beauty, goodness, and auspiciousness, reflecting one who is graceful both inside and out. The name also evokes Kalyanamitra, true friendship, symbolizing the care, support, and love shared among all who are part of our community.

At birth, Kalya weighed 128.2 kg, with a chest circumference of 130 cm, height of 93 cm, trunk length of 40 cm, tail length of 70 cm, front foot circumference of 49 cm, and hind foot circumference of 50 cm.

Today, Kalya carries forward this legacy, a symbol of beauty, kindness, and enduring love. We sincerely thank everyone for your continued support PEC and for being part of this journey.

A New Year, A New Step
Walking Like an Elephant

As we welcome the New Year, it’s natural to think about the steps we’re about to take. And there’s a beautiful lesson we can learn from elephants.

Elephants always keep their eyes on the path ahead and gently feel the ground with the tip of their trunk before placing their weight down. This reflects the idea of thoroughly observing, learning, and understanding a situation before taking the next step forward.

When elephants walk
whether slowly or quickly, they lift only one foot at a time, while the other three remain firmly on the ground. This reminds us that as we move forward in life, in learning, work, business, investments, relationships, and any challenge that involves risk, we should manage and balance those risks carefully, taking steady, thoughtful steps just like an elephant.

May this year be one of safety, calm, and meaningful moments with yourself and the people you love.

Happy New Year from Chiangmai, Thailand 🐘✨