Nang Phaya Elephant: The Little Queen Named in Honor of Queen Elizabeth II

In a quiet elephant enclosure, a new life began, bringing joy and a special connection to royalty. A baby Asian elephant, born just weeks before the world mourned a beloved monarch, was given a name full of meaning: Nang Phaya Elephant. This Thai name, meaning “queen” or “strong, female monarch,” is a beautiful tribute not only to this energetic calf but also to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who shared a special moment with the baby’s mother years before.

A Royal Connection Remembered

The story of Nang Phaya Elephant is one of those touching stories that feels almost destined. She was born on August 22, just before Queen Elizabeth II passed away. Years earlier, in 2017, the Queen had visited the zoo and met Nang Phaya’s mother, Donna. In a gentle, memorable moment, the Queen offered Donna a banana and even shook her trunk. That quiet interaction, showcasing the Queen’s lifelong affection for animals, was so cherished it appeared on Her Majesty’s Christmas card that year.

Naming the new baby “Nang Phaya” became a perfect way to honor that connection and celebrate the strength of both the calf and the late Queen. “She represents strength, leadership, and connection,” explained Saravanee Namsupak, the zoo’s elephant project officer. The name also links the little elephant to the vital conservation efforts for her endangered species in Thailand.

A Queen in the Making

From the moment she was born, weighing a healthy 152 kilograms (about 335 pounds), Nang Phaya Elephant showed she was something special. Keepers describe her as incredibly playful, curious, and full of boundless energy. “She’s already showing signs of leadership,” said elephant team leader Stefan Groeneveld. “Her mother, grandmother Kaylee, and the rest of the herd can barely keep up.”

The little queen is already learning to use her tiny trunk, clumsily picking up twigs, tossing sand, and playfully nudging her keepers. While she hasn’t quite mastered the complex tool yet, her confidence grows every day. Watching her explore the world with such joy is a delight for everyone at the zoo.

A Symbol of Hope for a Species

Beyond her charming personality, Nang Phaya Elephant represents something much larger: hope. Asian elephants are endangered, their numbers shrinking due to habitat loss and conflict with humans. Every successful birth in a conservation program like this is a vital step towards securing a future for these magnificent animals.

Nang Phaya carries a double legacy in her name – honoring a Queen known for her love of animals and embodying the resilient spirit of a species fighting for survival. As she grows, exploring her world with her trunk held high, she stands as a living symbol of remembrance, strength, and the enduring importance of protecting wildlife for future generations. Her young life is just beginning, but her story has already touched hearts around the globe.