Dor Khoun Meuang

Dor Khoun Meuang

Our release team visits the elephants several times each month to monitor their health, social behaviour, and how often Dor Khoun Meuang ventures away from the group. We’re happy to report that the herd has shown strong social bonds, staying together about 75% of the time. When Dor Khoun Meuang does separate, he usually remains just 1–2 kilometres away and later reunites with the group. The female elephants have been inseparable—together 100% of the time—highlighting their close-knit relationships.

Importantly, none of the released elephants have approached farms or crops in recent months. This is a very positive sign that they are adapting well to their natural habitat.

Dor Khoun Meuang continues to experience short periods of musth—a natural hormonal phase in young bulls. His most recent musth lasted two weeks in December. As usual, he temporarily distanced himself from the group when the first signs of musth appeared but rejoined the herd about a week later. Interestingly, he hasn’t been observed joining other wild elephants during these periods. Mae Noy, one of the females, shows particular interest in him during musth, often engaging in playful and interactive behaviour like pushing and head-butting.

Mae Mah remains the clear leader of the group, maintaining a stable and healthy social hierarchy—an important foundation for long-term group cohesion.

All elephants recently underwent full health checks, and we’re pleased to share that every individual is in excellent condition. They’re maintaining strong body scores, show no visible injuries, and all blood test results are normal.

As Dor Khoun Meuang matures into his teenage years, we’re excited to follow his development and learn more about elephant social behaviour—knowledge that will help guide future reintroductions.

Thank you again for standing by Dor Khoun Meuang. Your support is giving him and his herd the chance to live freely in the wild, just as they should.