Ayutthaya, (14 June 2024) — In a rare and miraculous event, a 36-year-old Asian elephant named Chamchuri gave birth to twins at the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal in Thailand. The birth, which occurred last Friday, has been described as "miraculous" by the elephant keepers.

Chamchuri first delivered a male calf, prompting the keepers to clean and assist the newborn in standing. To their astonishment, Chamchuri then gave birth to a second calf, a female, moments later. This unexpected turn of events caused a brief moment of panic for the mother elephant, who became agitated. The keepers swiftly intervened to separate the newborns from their mother to ensure their safety. During the commotion, one of the caretakers was injured while trying to manage the situation.

According to Save the Elephants, an organization dedicated to elephant conservation, the occurrence of twins in elephants is exceedingly rare, with only about one percent of elephant births resulting in twins. The birth of twins of different genders is even more unusual.

Dr. Lardthongter Mipan, a Thai veterinarian, expressed his amazement at the event. "It was a miracle," he told the BBC. "We always wanted to see elephant twins, but not everyone gets to witness this because it is such a rare occurrence."

The successful birth and subsequent care of the twin calves are seen as a significant achievement and a source of joy for the staff at the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace. The incident highlights the dedication and quick response of the keepers in ensuring the safety and well-being of both the mother and her newborns.