In an extraordinary event, a 36-year-old Asian elephant named Chamchuri gave birth to rare twin calves at the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal in central Thailand. This surprising occurrence has been described by caretakers as a miracle.
The Birth Event
Initially, Chamchuri was not anticipated to deliver twins. After giving birth to a male calf last Friday, the staff believed the delivery was complete. While they were assisting the first calf to stand, a loud thud signaled the unexpected arrival of a second calf, a female.
Handling the Panic
The sudden second birth caused Chamchuri to panic. Caretakers had to quickly restrain her to prevent any harm to the newborn female calf. During the commotion, one caretaker was injured but the situation was brought under control.
Rare Occurrence
According to Save the Elephants, twins occur in only one percent of elephant births, and male-female twin pairs are even rarer. This rarity adds to the significance of this miraculous event.
Cultural Significance and Public Interest
Elephants hold a sacred status in Thailand, where they are revered as a national symbol, especially within the predominantly Buddhist population. The Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal has since been showcasing the twin calves through live streams on social media. Visitors, including children, are permitted to see the twins, provided they disinfect their footwear and hands to ensure the safety and health of the animals.
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