In a rare and unexpected event, an Asian elephant named Chamchuri gave birth to twins - a male and a female calf - at Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal in Thailand on June 7, 2024. The mother's surprise delivery came as a shock to caretakers who initially thought she had given birth to only one calf.
Twin elephant births are rare, occurring in only around 1% of births according to Save the Elephants research organization. Male-female twin births are even more unusual.
The mother's initial reaction was one of panic and she went into a frenzy, causing her to attack both calves and injuring one caretaker in the process. Veterinarian Lardthongtare Meepan and other caretakers worked quickly to separate the mother from her newborns, ensuring their safety.
Both calves were given supplemental milk by syringe as their mother struggled to provide enough milk for both. The female calf was slightly smaller than her brother and required extra assistance in reaching her mother for feeding.
The twins' arrival has been described as a miracle, with many expressing excitement and joy at the rare event. Buddhist monks from Wat Traimit in Bangkok blessed the mother and twins at a ceremony shortly after their birth.
Chamchuri's calves are not the only rare elephant births to have occurred recently in Thailand. Another elephant, Jamjuree, gave birth to rare twin calves - a male and a female - on June 15, 2024 at Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal.
The Asian elephant population is endangered in Southeast Asia and China due to deforestation, human encroachment, and poaching. Conservation efforts are ongoing to protect these magnificent animals.
