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Double trouble! - 'World's first' mixed-sex elephant twins celebrate second birthday in Thailand

"Plai Sapphalak Sophon and Phang Sakollak Sophit, widely regarded as the world's first mixed-sex elephant twins, celebrated their second birthday with a special party at the Ayutthaya Elephant Palace and Royal Kraal on Sunday. Footage shows the twins and their mother inside an enclosure decorated with balloons and a birthday backdrop. A large fruit cake was prepared for the elephants. The event also marked the elephant camp’s 30th anniversary. "Today is a great day for us, celebrating both the 30th anniversary of our elephant camp and the 2nd birthday of these remarkable twin elephants, the first of their kind in the world," said the camp's manager, Khun Khao. "Everyone who came to celebrate with us is in a joyful mood, and we warmly welcome them here," he added. Mahouts (elephant riders), local residents and supporters took part in a traditional merit-making ceremony and prayed for the twins’ health. Meanwhile, monks led by the abbot of Wat Pom Ramanya chanted prayers and offered blessings. Participants also paid their respects at the Pakam Shrine, a sacred site for elephant handlers. "This is truly amazing; it’s the first time this has happened. We are here to show our support and love for these lovely twins as they fight for survival," a visitor said. "I have cared for them since birth, and seeing them grow into two-year-olds fills me with pride. Watching them develop from tiny calves has been an incredible experience," an elephant handler added. Former boxing champion Khaosai Galaxy, singer Tu Direk Amatayakul and performer Kao Krung Kao were among those who attended the celebration. Twin births account for about one per cent of elephant births, while mixed-sex pairs are rarer still. Both calves are reported to be in good health."