CHIANG MAI, Thailand – Chiang Mai Zoo celebrated Thai National Elephant Day on Friday, March 13, with a traditional “Khantoke” fruit feast and a parade to promote the conservation of Thailand’s national animal.
The event featured a colorful parade led by the “Chaiyo” elephant mascot, youth groups, and zoo staff at the Asian Elephant Exhibit. The celebration aimed to highlight the historical, cultural, and ecological significance of elephants in Thailand.
The highlight of the day was a massive “Khantoke” buffet consisting of bananas, corn, carrots, pumpkins, and grass, prepared according to nutritional standards. Ularika Kongprom, Director of Chiang Mai Zoo, hand-fed two female Asian elephants, “Phang Chaiyo” and “Phang Saendao.”
To boost tourism, the zoo also introduced a new mascot, “Dao Nuea,” as a companion to the existing “Chaiyo” mascot.
The festivities included educational booths for youth, featuring quiz games, elephant mask-making workshops, and a painting session where participants wrote messages advocating for elephant protection. (TNA)
