Our Family of Elephants
Each elephant has a unique story and personality
Maya Kali (Female)
“Maya” in Nepali means love and affection, and she truly lives up to her name. Maya Kali is a sweet and gentle elephant in our herd who needs love, affection, and extra care from her mahouts (caretakers) and all humans around her. At the age of 29, she is taller than average but physically weak, skinny, and disabled.
Maya Kali has a painful past. From a very young age, she was used to carry four to five people on her back inside a heavy wooden box to entertain safari guests. Despite being unwell, she was forced to continue working without proper rest. She later suffered from tuberculosis and eventually collapsed due to severe weakness in her hind legs.
Because of her critical physical condition, Maya Kali was rescued and brought to Sapana Village Lodge. At first, she struggled to adapt to a chain-free life, as freedom was completely new to her. Over time, she slowly adjusted, formed friendships with other elephants, and became part of a caring and supportive team of caretakers.
Samrat Gaj (Male)
Samrat Gaj is a male elephant born on January 9, 2013, within the premises of Sapana Village Lodge. His mother is Srijana Kali, and his father is a wild male elephant named Ronaldo. He was named “Samrat,” meaning king, during a traditional Hindu naming ceremony.
At birth, Samrat weighed approximately 85 kg and stood about one meter tall. When he was nine months old, he became critically ill due to the Herpes Virus. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the hotel owner, Mr. Dhruba Giri—who arranged lifesaving medicines from India through his personal contacts—Samrat survived this dangerous period.
Samrat is now a grown-up bull elephant. As he matures, he sometimes shows aggressive behavior toward caretakers and strangers. To ensure his safety and wellbeing, we are currently in the process of building a private, chain-free corral across the elephant-watching terrace of the resort.
Srijana Kali (Female)
Srijana Kali is the tallest and strongest elephant in our herd. She is nearly 50 years old and is the proud mother of Samrat Gaj. During her pregnancy, she lived a pitiable life—kept in chains and forced to work as a riding elephant. Coincidentally, she was impregnated by a wild male elephant named Ronaldo.
When we heard that she was about to be sold to Indian buyers, Mr. Giri stepped in and saved her life. She was brought to our resort, where she finally received proper care, love, and a peaceful living environment. We watched her belly grow day by day, and after a 22-month pregnancy, she gave birth to Samrat Gaj.
Srijana Kali is a lovely team member who loves eating and enjoys playing freely—both on the grassland and in the river.
Chanchal Kali (Female)
“Chanchal” means restless in Nepali, but her nature is quite the opposite. Chanchal Kali is the sweetest, quietest, and most gentle elephant in the herd. At around 40 years of age, she has an average height and weight and is known for her calm and friendly behavior.
Being part of the herd, Chanchal Kali is a wonderful team player who easily befriends other elephants. Her gentle personality and good listening skills make her very special among her companions.
Chanchal Kali once participated in an “Elephants Beauty Contest,” where she was selected as the most beautiful elephant. The judges admired her healthy nails, physical structure, calmness, graceful walk, and lovely presence.
Like the other elephants at Sapana Village, she now lives a peaceful life in chain-free corrals, surrounded by nature. She especially loves spending time in the river, enjoying refreshing and cooling baths.
Champa Kali (Female)
Champa Kali is often very calm and relaxed. She is the first elephant to live at Sapana Village Lodge. “Champa” is the name of a flower in Nepal, symbolizing beauty and grace.
At around 45 years of age, Champa Kali stands nearly 3 meters tall and weighs about 4,000 kg. Her thick skin is dark and deeply wrinkled, showing the strength and experience of her long life.
Like many elephants in Chitwan, Champa Kali suffered greatly in the past. She was forced to carry many guests on her sensitive back in a heavy wooden box for safari rides. Although she made guests happy, she herself lived a painful life—spending most of her time in chains and surviving on minimal and unhealthy food.
Today, Champa Kali enjoys a peaceful and dignified life. She lives in a lovely, chain-free corral with vast grasslands for grazing and visits the Budhi Rapti River daily for her baths. She now spends her days in comfort, freedom, and care.