Meet the elephants at Following Giants sanctuary
Blog
From work to wonder: elephant stories from the sanctuary.
On the island of Koh Lanta, Thailand, Following Giants Sanctuary is a peaceful playground for elephants to live life at their own pace. Reopened five years ago as an elephant-friendly haven with support from World Animal Protection, it’s all about care, curiosity, and a little bit of mischief.
Now, meet the stars of the sanctuary…
Mae Songkran
Thai Name: Mae Songkran
English Name: Thai New Year
Gender: Female
Age: Approx. 50
Rescue Date: 13th April 2023
Prior Life: Tourist industry, mainly riding
Mae Songkran is a little – or not so little! – New Year miracle. At the temple, monks rode her and the sound of the drums scared her, leaving her anxious and defensive. No one could get close- until Songkran 2023, when staff at Following Giants Sanctuary gently offered her bananas and whispered, “Come home, no more work and you can eat and graze, free forever.” To everyone’s joy, she reached out, took them, and stepped into a life of peace at the sanctuary.
Mae Thongsuk
Thai Name: Mae Thongsuk
English Name: Happy
Gender: Female
Age: Approx. 55
Rescue Date: 1st November 2020
Prior Life: Tourism and logging
Mae Thongsuk is Happy by name and happy by nature! After years of hard work in the logging and tourism industries, she now treasures the simple pleasures- her favourite being water. She loves to splash around and roll about in it, but only if she’s on her own. If anyone starts watching her or speaking to her while she’s having her bath, she’ll stop. Well, a girl needs her privacy, right?
Somkid
Thai Name: Somkid
English Name: Wishes come true
Gender: Male
Age: 70
Rescue Date: 15th February 2025
Prior Life: Logging and riding
Somkid spent seven decades in tourism, carrying riders every day. When his owner passed away in 2024, he was left malnourished and frail- a heartbreaking sight for the staff at Following Giants. After months of tireless effort, Somkid was finally brought to the sanctuary, where he was reunited with his old friend Mae Songkran! Now he can spend his remaining years surrounded by peace, care, and companionship.
Visiting Following Giants Sanctuary is a truly magical experience. Watching elephants splash, graze, and roam freely is a joy you’ll never forget.
And here’s the exciting part...
In our Lucky Elephant Raffle, you could experience it yourself! Our top raffle prize is £5,000 or a holiday to Thailand, including a visit to meet Mae Songkran, Mae Thongsuk, and Somkid in person. Every entry helps care for these incredible elephants, so you could win an unforgettable adventure and make a difference.
Play our Lucky Elephant Raffle today