World's first mixed-sex elephant twins celebrate second birthday in Thailand
Key Takeaways
- The world's first known mixed-sex elephant twins celebrated their second birthday in Thailand.
- The event coincided with the 30th anniversary of the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal.
- Monks, mahouts, visitors and celebrities joined prayers and celebrations for the twins' health and wellbeing.
Rare elephant siblings mark milestone at Ayutthaya camp during 30th anniversary celebrations
A pair of elephants believed to be the world's first mixed-sex elephant twins celebrated their second birthday on Sunday at the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal in Thailand.
The celebration was held alongside the elephant camp's 30th anniversary and drew visitors, elephant handlers, monks and local supporters.
Plai Sapphalak Sophon and Phang Sakollak Sophit, together with their mother, were seen inside a specially decorated enclosure featuring balloons, a birthday backdrop and a large fruit cake prepared for the occasion.
Camp manager Khun Khao said the event marked two important milestones for the facility.
"Today is a great day for us, celebrating both the 30th anniversary of our elephant camp and the 2nd birthday of these remarkable twin elephants, the first of their kind in the world," said the camp's manager, Khun Khao.
"Everyone who came to celebrate with us is in a joyful mood, and we warmly welcome them here," he added.
The event included a traditional merit-making ceremony, where mahouts, residents and visitors prayed for the twins' health and wellbeing.
Monks led by the abbot of Wat Pom Ramanya also conducted prayers and offered blessings. Participants later paid their respects at the Pakam Shrine, a site regarded as sacred by elephant handlers.
Visitors attending the celebration described the twins as a rare and special case.
"This is truly amazing; it’s the first time this has happened. We are here to show our support and love for these lovely twins as they fight for survival," a visitor said.
One of the elephant handlers reflected on caring for the twins since birth.
"I have cared for them since birth, and seeing them grow into two-year-olds fills me with pride. Watching them develop from tiny calves has been an incredible experience," an elephant handler added.
Former boxing champion Khaosai Galaxy, singer Tu Direk Amatayakul and performer Kao Krung Kao were among those attending the birthday celebration.
Twin births account for around one per cent of elephant births, while mixed-sex twins are considered even rarer. Both elephants are reported to be in good health.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
