Orphaned Elephant Calf Safely Transferred to Chanthaburi Wildlife Station
An orphaned wild elephant calf discovered beside its mother's carcass in Chanthaburi was transferred to the Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Breeding Station
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin revealed progress in the rescue of an orphaned wild elephant calf after it was discovered lingering near its mother's carcass in Moo 6, Ban Bo Bok Pun, Pawa subdistrict, Kaeng Hang Maeo district, Chanthaburi province. Officials from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation have safely moved the calf from the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary to the Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Breeding Station in Chanthaburi, arriving at 23:30 on November 1, to allow a veterinary team to provide close health monitoring and rehabilitation.
After receiving a report from Department Director-General Yongyut Nakwiroj, Minister Suchat ordered staff to care for the calf to the highest academic and animal welfare standards. Heavy rain and changing weather in the area increase the risk of complications and infection, so special attention is being given to health and environmental conditions. The minister also ordered a thorough necropsy of the mother to determine the exact cause of death and use the findings to guide future wildlife management in the area.
The latest update shows the calf has recovered well from sedation, is alert, has begun exploring its enclosure, and is eating and defecating normally. Veterinarians have collected blood samples for laboratory analysis to assess health and screen for diseases. Staff have reinforced the quarantine enclosure to prevent danger, especially after wild elephant vocalizations were heard nearby, prompting additional safety measures.
The relocation was a joint effort by the Rapid Response Team for Wild Elephant Issues, Team 9, Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, Khao Sip Ha Chan National Park, and local volunteers, led by Phitak Yingyong, Director of the Wildlife Conservation Division, Office of Conservation Area Administration 2 (Sri Racha), and Ekachai Saendi, Chief of Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary. The specialized convoy departed at 21:00 and arrived at the breeding station at 23:30 the same day.
Minister Suchat added that he has instructed relevant agencies to develop a systematic care plan covering health, nutrition, and husbandry suited to natural behavior, with continuous health monitoring. If the calf proves healthy, free of dangerous diseases, and wounds heal properly, authorities will consider the appropriateness of releasing it back into the wild safely, prioritizing the calf's welfare to give it a chance to return to life in the forest.
