Vietnam's 1st Domesticated Elephant in 30 Years to Be Born This Month

Despite predictions that Vietnam risks losing its entire elephant population within a decade, there is still hope as one elephant is set to give birth around the end of this month.

Ban Nang is the first domesticated elephant to become pregnant in thirty years in Vietnam. According to Dan Tri, owner Y Mu Bkrong announced that during her pregnancy, the 38-year-old elephant has been relieved of her working duties and moved to a quiet forested area to relax. She is likely to give birth naturally in the coming weeks.

Y Mu Bkrong also said that Ban Nang used to be cared for by another female elephant, H’Ban, who was relocated. However, the Dak Lak Elephant Conservation Center (ECC) made an arrangement with H’Ban’s new owner, and she has been hired as a nanny of sorts for Ban Nang. Last month, Y Mu Bkrong received US$7,500 to care for the elephants.

Deputy Director of the Dak Lak Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Vu Van Dong claimed that this is “a positive sign for elephant conservation work.”

The future of Vietnam’s elephant population remains a lingering concern, as both wild and domesticated elephants are on the brink of extinction.

The Vietnam Elephant Initiative reported that only roughly 100 elephants remain in the country, about forty of which are wild spanning five different herds. The remaining sixty or so are held in captivity. “Genetic isolation, deforestation, and human-elephant conflict are serious problems in Vietnam and a continuous threat to the remaining populations of wild elephants.” Due to lack of education, many of the elephants suffer from poor health and dangerous solitary living conditions, as opposed to their natural inclination to live communally.

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First domesticated elephant to be born in Dak Lak after 30 years

Ban Nang is the first pregnant domesticated elephant in Dak Lak in 30 years.

Statistics from Dak Lak Elephant Conservation Centre show that the number of domesticated elephants plummeted from 502 in 1980 to just 44 this year because of overwork, old age and clashes with wild elephants. 19 of the animals are too old and can't breed anymore.

Last year, the centre started a research project to improve fertility rate in domesticated elephants. The owners will be informed when is the best time for breeding to match elephants together.

Recently, owner Y Mu Bkrong announced that his 38-year-old elephant, Ban Nang, was pregnant. She has been relieved from work to relax in a forested area far from people.

Ban Nang and her nanny, H'Ban cross a stream.

Dak Lak Elephant Conservation Centre have collaborated with the Asian Animal Foundation to send veterinarians and experts to consult and take care of Ban Nang. She is expected to give birth naturally at the end of September.

Ban Nang’s owner said the elephant was an orphan and taken care of by another female, H'Ban. But when Ban Nang grows up, H'Ban was already moved to a new home.

Dak Lak Elephant Conservation Centre recently discussed with H'Ban new owner and decided to spend VND10m (USD440) a month to hire H'Ban as a nanny for Ban Nang.

On August 29, Y Mu Bkrong was given VND171m (USD7,500) to take care of the elephant.

Vu Van Dong, deputy director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, "This is a positive sign for elephant conservation work. We'll closely monitor the elephant as she’s not very young."

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