Meet the Artists

Name: Wanalee

Sex: Female

Born: 1997

Origin

She was born at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang, Thailand.

Nature

When she was very young she used to tease people and was rather naughty. Today she is so sweet and very friendly with humans. She enjoys eating rather more than working, but she ‘works’ off the excess energy by walking and running alot. She loves to spread hay on her head, which makes her rather messy at times. As if she’s aware of her looks, she often takes a bath by herself in the nearby lake and when she does that her mahout has difficulty ordering her out again. If he shouts at her she doesn’t like it and runs away to the plantations: a little Princess indeed!

Special Story

Wanalee is referred to as a Princess for better reasons too, as she is actually a special ‘Royal’ elephant, having been lucky enough to be adopted by Her Royal Highness Princess Galayani, the elder sister of His Majesty the King of Thailand.

Artistic Talents

Wanalee is considered one of the top three elephant artists, with her paintings finding international fame. She was the best selling artist of 2005. Her technique usually involves carefully placing the brush at the top of the paper/canvas and then finishing each stroke with a sweeping flourish.

Mahout

Wanalee’s mahout is Tiam Chaikeaw, who was born in Phrae and started working as a mahout in 1993 at the age of 28. Tiam is married to Somkid and they have two children.

Published In: Meet the Artists > Elephant Artist Biographies

 

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