Elephants are known for their intelligence, but what truly sets them apart is their incredible capacity for emotion.
These gentle giants feel love, sorrow, and loyalty just like we do — and few stories show it more clearly than that of Jokia and Mae Perm.
Tragically miscarried
It’s a sad fact, but captive elephants have been used around the world for centuries in war, ceremonies, labor, and entertainment. Some elephants remain in captivity for their entire lives, while others are lucky enough to be rescued and given a chance at a happier, freer life
After years of suffering in forced labor, elephants Jokia and Mae Perm finally found peace at Thailand’s Elephant Nature Park, a sanctuary where elephants can live freely and safely.
The unique conservation project has been in operation since in the 1990’s.
Among the residents of Elephant Nature Park were two elephants whose bond captured the hearts of everyone who met them: Jokia and Mae Perm. For 17 years, they were inseparable, sharing every moment of their lives together.
Posted by Saengduean Lek Chailert on Friday, April 8, 2016
Jokia’s early life was filled with unimaginable suffering. Rescued by ENP in 1999, she had endured illegal logging and severe abuse. While being forced to pull heavy logs uphill, she tragically miscarried — and wasn’t even allowed to stop to see if her calf had survived. The physical pain and emotional trauma were overwhelming, and Jokia fell into a deep depression.
A life free from fear
Her suffering escalated when she refused to work. In retaliation, her mahout blinded her in both eyes with a slingshot. But fate intervened: one day, Lek, the founder of ENP, heard Jokia’s anguished trumpeting echoing through the jungle, and her rescue began.
At ENP, Jokia finally found the peace, care, and love she had long been denied. She joined a herd and began a life free from fear, but the most remarkable chapter was her friendship with Mae Perm.
Mae Perm, rescued by Lek in 1992 and the first elephant saved at the park, became Jokia’s protector and guide. Using touch and sound, Mae Perm helped Jokia navigate the world she could no longer see. Whenever Jokia trumpeted, Mae Perm would rush to her side, offering comfort and reassurance.
But even the strongest friendship can’t stop the passage of time.
In 2016, Mae Perm passed away of old age, leaving Jokia heartbroken.
“She stood over her for almost six hours, touching, nudging, and leaning against Mae Perm’s lifeless body,” wrote Lek Chailert, founder of Elephant Nature Park, on Facebook.
“We gave Jokia as much time as possible to say goodbye to her great love.”
Her last gesture
Staff at the sanctuary did everything they could to support Jokia during her grief.
“She moaned painfully as her friend slipped away forever,” Chailert added. “We could feel her sorrow — it was heartbreaking.”
We are so sad that the lovely Mae Perm, an elephant at ENP, has passed away. She was so, so loved. We are feeling sad…Posted by Loop Abroad on Thursday, April 7, 2016
When it was finally time to lay Mae Perm to rest, Jokia reluctantly stepped away, having said a final, tender goodbye. The sanctuary continued to comfort her as she adjusted to life without her lifelong companion.
Recently, Jokia has been spending most of her time with a newly rescued elephant named Pailin, and the two are slowly forming a close bond.
Despite all the sadness she has endured, Jokia has never let her painful past break her spirit. She continues to live each day with remarkable strength and resilience.
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