Hello, I’m Srinin. I am the oldest elephant at Samui Elephant Haven, believed to have been born in 1951 in Ranong, a small province in southern Thailand. For as long as I can remember, I was used as living machinery in the logging industry, spending my days dragging and pushing heavy teak logs through the forest.

In 1989, when the Thai government banned elephants from logging, we all hoped life would finally become easier. Instead, many of us were moved into tourism. In 1999, I was transported by truck to Koh Samui, where I continued working in trekking, carrying tourists on my back for endless miles.

I’ve always been a strong-willed old lady, and when I grew tired, I sometimes refused to follow commands without protest. I am blind in one eye, which makes me easily startled and naturally nervous. You may also notice that the tip of my tail is missing—it was bitten off by another elephant when I was young. Without tail hair, it’s much harder to swat away those persistent flies.

Sudarat will probably tell you that she pretends not to like me very much, and that’s quite all right. I have a very important role of my own—I am the nanny to all three babies in our small herd. Watching over them brings me great comfort and joy. I truly enjoy life here at the Haven and am deeply grateful for the kindness and care Maew and the team show me every day.

As I grow older, my body has become weaker. Years of hard labour have taken their toll, especially on my hind legs, which now need extra support. I can no longer stand on my own and must lean against a fence or post to rest. Because of this, the team keeps a close watch over me, ensuring I am always safe, supported, and cared for.