18-month-old Phang Sri Khun gave birth to a hefty baby bull elephant on August 16 at the Pattaya Elephant Park. Both mother and son appear to be doing just fine, thank you.

The proud owner of Phang Sri Khun, Khomrin Salangam gave the healthy baby elephant the name of Plai Krong Tong.

Khomrin related how he purchased Phang Sri Khun in Surin for 90,000 baht and came to work in Pattaya nine-months ago. He had Phang Sri Khun mate with Plai Yoki, a bull elephant he described as a magnificently beautiful and strong animal.

As the time grew near, Phang Sri Khun began nervously walking back and forth, continuing to do so for a few hours. At 1:00 a.m., Phang Sri Khun let out a loud roar, announcing that delivery was near.

A group of mahouts anxiously waited and started performing ritual ceremonies to insure a successful birth. Then Phang Sri Khun let out another loud cry signaling the birth was about to happen. The crowd of people waited in anticipation as the head slowly appeared. As soon as it was evident the baby elephant was a male, everyone let out a cheer and started to celebrate the auspicious occasion. The birth of a male elephant is considered to be very good fortune for the owner’s family, and in this case, even the Pattaya Elephant Farm.

The next day tourists were allowed in to view the incredible sight of a newborn elephant.