Thai Blessing for Asian Elephant Calves
Melbourne Zoo’s trio of Asian elephant calves have had their souls blessed by a Thai Buddhist monk to celebrate ‘Chang Thai Day’.
Chang Thai Day is the annual Thai National Elephant Day, marked throughout Thailand on March 13 as the Asian elephant is th
The traditional protection blessing of Pakam chang was carried out by a monk from Wat Dhammarangsee, the first Buddhist Temple in Melbourne.
The monk lit incense, chanted in Pali (ancient Sanskrit) and sprinkled holy water near the elephants and their habitat.
All of the Melbourne Zoo Asian elephant calves have a connection to Thailand through a mother or grandmother. Three of the older females in the herd were born in Thailand and brought to Australia to ensure the survival of the species, protecting the elephants from shrinking habitat and conflict with farmers.
Zoos Victoria CEO, Dr Jenny Gray, said the blessing is a lovely way to mark the calves’ first Thai National Elephant Day.
“It is a joy to see them celebrated in this traditional manner and pays tribute to their Thai heritage.”
Thai Honorary Consul, Tessa Sullivan, said the ceremony is significant as elephants have been idolised in Thai culture throughout history.
“In Thailand, the impact of the elephant cannot be overstated,” Ms Sullivan said. “The Asian elephant has played an instrumental role in the shaping of the Thai national identity and way of life.”
“Aiyara, Roi-Yim and Kati bring energy and dynamism to the Asian elephant herd every day. They play an important role in creating a cohesive multigenerational herd."
Zoos Victoria is part of a regional breeding program for Asian Elephants, which are classified as Endangered in the wild by the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List. Zoos Victoria also maintains an international partnership with Fauna & Flora International, which is undertaking fieldwork in Vietnam to establish wild elephant numbers and to better understand the threats Asian Elephants face in the region.
The entire Asian Elephant herd – including the calves – will move from Melbourne Zoo to Werribee Open Range Zoo in 2024, following completion of an $88 million expansion funded by the Victorian Government.
Visitors to Melbourne Zoo can see the Asian elephant herd, including the three calves, along the Trail of the Elephants. Melbourne Zoo visitors are reminded that all tickets must be pre-booked online at zoo.org.au. Zoos Victoria members no longer need to book but are required to scan their membership card for entry.