Remembering charming Chok the elephant
News
It is with great sadness that we share that Chok, one of the resident elephants at Following Giants has passed away.
Top image credit: Nick Axelrod
Chok was a calm, gentle and photogenic male elephant who enjoyed pineapple leaves and walks in the forest.
Following Giants owner, Khun Ray said:
"Everyone at Following Giants is mourning this loss, especially Boy, who was Chok's mahout for 15 years.”
“We're proud that Chok got to live at Following Giants, in an elephant-friendly environment, where he had the freedom to be an elephant in the final months of his life. A blessing ceremony and funeral were held in his honour. Thank you for your support during this difficult time."
A regular of Bollywood movies Chok was originally exploited in the harsh logging industry before being used for tourist rides and bathing experiences.
Since 2019, Following Giants has been working with World Animal Protection to change their tourism business to an elephant-friendly model - letting elephants lead the way.
Credit: Nick Axelrod
When Chok took his first forest walk without tourists on his back, the freedom initially seemed overwhelming for him, as he had never been able to choose where he went.
But he soon began to enjoy himself, stopping to graze on shrubs and scratching his back against one of the larger trees.
Chok had a special bond with another elephant, Jahn and the two could often be seen swimming in the pool together.
Chok (right) and Jahn (left) at Following Giants (Credit: David Owen)
Audrey Mealia, Head of Wildlife for World Animal Protection said:
“We are very glad that Chok was able to live the rest of his life in the peace and tranquillity at Following Giants.”
“These are sad and challenging times, Chok will be fondly remembered and greatly missed but our work to help and protect wild animals never stops.”
In memory of Chok a virtual tour of Following Giants has been created so you can experience the lush, green forest he called home.
With your support, we’re working to help elephants like Chok from across Southeast Asia.
When Chok took his first forest walk without tourists on his back, the freedom initially seemed overwhelming for him, as he had never been able to choose where he went.