Elephant Sanctuary Moves Herd to High Ground Ahead of Heavy Rain
Rising water levels in the Mae Taeng River prompted staff at a Chiang Mai elephant sanctuary to relocate their herd to high ground as heavy rain approaches the region.
At 3:50 p.m. on August 10, 2025, staff at Baan Chang Trakoob Saen elephant sanctuary in Mae Tang district, Chiang Mai, reported that water levels in the Mae Taeng River are rising again after a recent decline that allowed cleanup and recovery work to resume.
Management stated that the facility is on continuous 24-hour alert, closely monitoring water levels due to the risk of further rises if upstream rainfall occurs. Valuable equipment and supplies have been moved to secure locations to minimize damage in case of renewed flooding.
All elephants have been relocated to "Neuen Lop Chang" (Elephant Refuge Hill), a high-ground sanctuary area, to protect them from the rising river. Staff remain vigilant and ready to move animals further if conditions worsen.
Rain clouds are expected to bring showers to Mae Tang this evening, prompting the care team to maintain continuous surveillance and prepare contingency plans in case of heavy rain or rapid water level increases. All elephants are now in safe areas, with round-the-clock staff oversight to ensure their security.
