Yok Don National Park welcomes two new elephants joining elephant-friendly tour model

On March 17, 2023, Animals Asia and Yok Don National Park welcomed two members join the Elephant-friendly tour model, Ta Nuon and Y Khun, back to their home. 

Ta Nuon (born in 1983) means "being visionary". When she was a baby, she lived in Buon Don district. Then she was sold to Gia Lai province to carry cassava and rice crops. In 2008, Y Khu's family brought her back to Buon Don. Ta Nuon was a difficult elephant when she first became aY Khu family member. She was fed "snacks" like gourds, pumpkins, sugar cane, bananas, and bamboo. Ta Nuon is good at memorizing directions. She once had to come home late from Buon Ma Thuot city, which is 40 km away from her village. She knew the roads so well that she walked home without being guided while her owner was dozing off on her back.

Y Khun (born in 1978) served in tourism in Dak Nong province and Lak district of Dak Lak province for a long time. He has a very stubborn personality, and when angry, he even chases away his mahout and does not allow anyone to approach it.

Previously, both Ta Nuon and Y Khun served in the elephant riding tourism industry. From now on, the two will retire. Ta Nuon will participate in elephant-friendly tourism and make friends with female elephants at Yok Don. With his unpredictable personality, Y Khun will be cared for separately in remote areas and tourist service areas to ensure the safety of humans and the elephant's welfare. Both will live in their original home and enjoy a new happy life.