National Parks Department Speculates on Cause of Elephant's Death During Relocation

On February 4, 2024, officials reported that the Conservation Area Office 8 (Khon Kaen) was conducting a relocation operation for a problematic forest elephant named Hu Phap from Wiang Kao District, Khon Kaen Province, to the Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary in Loei Province. The elephant had frequently approached human settlements and was involved in fatal incidents. The relocation was conducted under a temporary court protection order with two main objectives: protecting local residents' safety and conserving the elephant's life by returning it to a suitable natural habitat. During the relocation, officials noticed the elephant losing balance. Medical teams attempted emergency interventions after the elephant showed breathing difficulties and food aspiration. Despite administering various emergency medications and performing basic life-saving procedures, the elephant ultimately died. Preliminary medical assessments suggest the cause of death might be food aspiration. The Conservation Area Office will conduct a detailed autopsy and subsequently bury the elephant's remains at Phu Wiang National Park.