Ten years ago, Dr. Kayan (better known as “Dr. Kay”) came to FAE while still a student at Mahanakorn University in Bangkok. Once she graduated with her degree in Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Kayan asked to become a permanent vet at FAE Elephant Hospital. Despite any hesitation or protests from the male staff about a full-time female veterinarian, Soraida trusted Dr. Kayan’s skills and believed that they would far exceeded the adversity she may face and hired her.

Today, Dr. Kayan is an integral part of the FAE team. As Deputy Director, she does it all. Everything from health checks and evaluation to diagnosis and treatment, she ensures the elephants receive the utmost care — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week…literally. Dr. Kayan lives at FAE and is on call no matter how late into the night. Soraida and Dr. Preecha often force her to take vacation as she sometimes cannot pry herself away from her patients for months at a time.

Dr. Kayan is truly one who puts her heart where her work is. And we wouldn’t want it any other way.