Mama Rose & Baby Precious
Mama Rose and her one year old baby boy, Precious, have boundless amounts of energy!
There is never a dull (or quiet) moment when they are around!
Mama Rose was just eighteen years old when she was rescued together with her one year old calf, by BLES.
We were contacted directly by the owner of Rose, who ran a small elephant camp, up in the hills of Northern Thailand. He spoke to us at great length about how he felt he could no longer compete with neighbouring camps and that due to several new camps opening closer to the city, fewer tourists were wanting to travel far into the mountains, to his little camp.
He first heard about BLES through his cousin, who had worked with BLES fifteen years prior, on an elephant rescue. He spoke highly of Katherine and her team and so the owner, following his cousin’s recommendation, reached out to us for help.
The owner wanted the best possible outcome for Rose and her baby boy. He didn’t want to see them separated and traumatised by tourism and so was thrilled when we agreed to take them both in.
BLES reached out to The Elephant Initiative - a US based non profit, who sensed the urgency to save Rose and her baby. A fundraising campaign was launched and an incredible 1,499 individuals from all around the world, gave to save the elephants!
BLES was honoured to receive support from The Rick and Michele Palmer Animal Relief Fund and Creatura Wildlife Project. Their generosity made the rescue of Rose and Precious, a reality.
Once the funds had been successfully secured and the legal paperwork completed, The BLES Team was on the road and ready to rescue Rose and her baby.
Loading them on to our elephant transportation truck (The Green Machine), took some time. It was the first time for Baby Precious and he was understandably stressed. Rose however, remained calm. She encouraged Precious to suckle from her constantly - a calming behaviour for a young calf like him.
Together with her expert mother skills and our experienced mahouts, the drive to BLES, which took a total of seven hours, was fairly easy. Rose continued to eat throughout the drive and Precious tried to grab remnants of food from her mouth - it was amazing to see him so full of life, despite being in a truck. It was a s if he had forgotten he was in transit!
We finally arrived home with Mama Rose and Baby Precious in the early evening of the 3rd March 2026. They were both excited to get off the truck and explore - so much so, that they trampled over the welcome fruit feast that had been specially prepared for them!
Mama Rose and Baby Precious have eased into sanctuary life perfectly. Rose is a relaxed mother and Precious keeps himself busy with slipping and sliding around in every muddy puddle he can find!
It is the most magical thing to watch him growing up in his new forest home, knowing that he will always have his mother, by his side and we will always be endlessly grateful to each and every individual who made this happen for them.
Adopt Rose & Precious