In loving memory of Nok Noi
Tragic news from Elephant Island: Thursday May 20th Nok Noi suddenly passed away. Monday night I got a call from worried villagers because Nok Noi collapsed in a swampy area and couldn’t get up. The elephant hospital in Surin was sending a team immediately. That night we drove directly to Buriram. The doctors said they gave her 50% chance to survive, but that it was her time already. They thought she was much older than we were told at the time she was bought. When we arrived on the island the next day Nok Noi was to our surprise very lively and in a good mood. She ate a lot, walked to the river by herself and enjoyed roaming around freely on the main land. Wednesday afternoon she became exhausted again and refused to eat. Around 9 pm she lay down to sleep. Around 11 pm, she woke up but could not get up. She breathed heavily, and after a few attempts to stand up she fell asleep again. We decided to give her some rest, and wait for the doctors in the morning. But when we came back at 6 am, she already passed away. After a lifetime of hard work, she could only enjoy her freedom for 1.5 years. She will be missed terribly by all of us.
Click more for photo’s of Nok Noi and the funeral ceremony. 
Nok Noi roaming around on her last day.
Ceremony at Nok Noi’s favorite spot.
Monks blessing.
Villagers of Baan Pai Yai, Baan Pai Noi and staff of BTEH and PDA attended Nok Noi’s funeral.
Sri Prae all alone on the island
