A Journey to Freedom: Mae Keo Khoun’s Second Chance at Life
Mae Keo Khoun
Mae Keo Khoun’s story is one of incredible resilience and hope, shaped by years of hardship and the unwavering support she found along the way. Born into the grueling world of logging, she endured years of heavy labor, her life dictated by the demands of work rather than the freedom every elephant deserves. After her long and difficult service, she was transferred to the Lao Zoo, a place that, at the time, was little more than a holding facility for animals. She was confined to an enclosure without social interaction.
In 2018, the Lao Zoo was transformed into the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife (LCTW), a multi-species rescue center focused on rehabilitating and protecting wildlife. The LCTW team took her in, offering her the compassion and care. She was surrounded by a team dedicated to restoring her physical and emotional well-being.
In 2023, Mae Keo Khoun’s journey took another significant turn when LCTW entrusted her to the Elephant Conservation Center. There, she was relocated to Thongmixay, a protected forested area where she could finally experience a life close to the wild. The tranquil sounds of the forest, the freedom to roam, and the opportunity to forage on natural vegetation have allowed Mae Keo Khoun to regain a sense of independence and peace she had never known before.
Despite her newfound freedom, Mae Keo Khoun remains a small and delicate presence in the herd. Her shy nature and gentle personality often make it difficult for her to socialize with the other elephants, though she is never far from the comfort of her own space. Petite in size, with soft, graceful features, Mae Keo Khoun stands out among her companions. She loves to run, enjoying the open space, and is particularly fond of bamboo, which she spends hours searching for and eating. Her joy in these simple pleasures is a testament to her strength, showing how even after years of hardship, there is room for healing and happiness.
Mae Keo Khoun’s story is not just one of survival but of thriving against the odds. It’s a powerful reminder of the difference that compassionate care, collaboration, and dedication can make in an animal’s life. We are deeply grateful to the Lao Conservation Trust for Wildlife for their trust and partnership in making Mae Keo Khoun’s journey to freedom possible. Watch our video about her journey to freedom at the ECC.
SUPPORT OUR CAUSE
Sponsor an Mae Keo Khoun
Mae Keo Khoun’s remarkable journey continues to inspire us, but her care relies on ongoing support. You can help her thrive by sponsoring her through our “Sponsor an Elephant” programme. Even a contribution of $10 a week can make a world of difference.
Each elephant at our center costs approximately $600 per month for food and medical care, amounting to over $200,000 annually to support our herd of 30 elephants. With rising costs of fresh produce and medical supplies, especially following a challenging dry season and economic instability in Laos, we’ve had to adapt by purchasing food from local growers at higher prices. Medical expenses can escalate sharply if an elephant falls ill, adding further strain to our resources.
Your support is vital to ensuring elephants like Mae Keo Khoun continue to receive the care and freedom they deserve. Every donation helps sustain our conservation programmes, enabling these majestic creatures to live their best lives in a natural and protected environment.
Rewilding Program: Securing the long-term success of our released elephants
To ensure the long-term success of our elephant rewilding programme, we urgently need funding to cover essential costs. This includes securing salaries for our dedicated field teams, managing logistics, conducting regular veterinary checks, and covering administrative expenses. Maintaining this critical project requires an annual budget of £24,000.
Our rewilding efforts are crucial for the future of released elephants, helping them adapt and thrive in their natural habitat. By supporting this programme, you contribute to the well-being of these magnificent animals and the preservation of their ecosystems. Your generosity is vital to help us continue this important work and ensure the sustainable rewilding of elephants.