Elephants are cruelly trained for tourist entertainment
Their wild spirit brutally broken through a training process called ‘the crush’. This is just the beginning of a life of abuse and suffering.
Give Mayura a life worth living
Adopt Mayura todayMeet Mayura
Hello, I’m Mayura, I’m 35 years old I’m a female Asian elephant. I’m the youngest of the herd at Chang Chill, the elephant friendly venue in the mountains in Thailand where I live with my mother Mae Gorgae.
My name means Peacock and although I’m not one to brag, I am considered to be quite beautiful in the elephant world. And compared to the rest of the old folk here I’m quite boisterous. My mahout, Tor, who cares for me says I am a bit naughty too, but also very smart. But I’m still young and I’m just so happy to be here, enjoying the good life.
My favourite things are my mother, of course, she’s very protective, and I love playing with her and the rest of the herd, roaming and foraging in the hills, playing in the river, and I love a mud bath.
I’m looking to make some new friends and share my story. Do you have room in your heart for me?
Mayura's journey
Born in captivity, Mayura was often separated from her mother while working. In the logging industry, she hauled massive loads through forests and later gave rides, bathed for tourists, and performed tricks for their entertainment. To make her submissive, she endured the “crush”—a harsh, fear-based training involving confinement, isolation, food deprivation, and brutal violence.
Yes, I'll adopt MayuraSame place, different story
Mayura didn’t have to go far to be “rescued”. The entertainment camp where she lives is now known as Chang Chill, a venue that World Animal Protection helped to transform into a truly high welfare venue in April 2019 where tourists can only observe the elephants from a distance, learning about them and the mahouts who care for them.
Chang Chill is situated up in the mountains in Thailand and here Mayura spends her days with her mother doing all her favourite things with space to roam and forage, play and bathe in the river that freely flows all year round.
Her mahout says she’s very smart, she always expresses doubt when asked to do something, like she appears to understand the instructions and is thinking about it. If she doesn’t do as she’s told, well that’s because she doesn’t want to!
Mayura has a good life and is very well cared for here at Chang Chill. She is still young and we can give her the home she deserves, with all the care and support she needs to live a long and happy life with her mum by her side.
Please adopt Mayura today and give her the happy, beautiful life she deserves
What you will receive
Adopt Mayura today, and within a couple of weeks you’ll receive a very special welcome pack in the post.
Your pack will include an official certification of adoption, a bookmark with photos of Mayura and a fridge magnet.
End animal suffering
All animals deserve a life without cruelty and pain
Bears spend a lifetime locked up and alone in tiny cages
They suffer excruciating pain as their bile is extracted and used traditional medicines.
Animals across the world endure a lifetime of intense physical and mental suffering
But with your support, with your big heart, we can end the cruel exploitation of animals and give them a life worth living.
We will use your donation where the need is greatest to protect animals, like those featured in this appeal, from cruelty and suffering.
Image credits: Jittrapon Kaicome / World Animal Protection