Veterinarians Rush to Rescue Injured Baby Elephants Caught in Snares in Chanthaburi

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Department of Conservation

 

Authorities from the Department of Conservation Area 2 (Sriracha) mobilised a team of veterinarians and wildlife officers to rescue two injured baby elephants trapped in snares. Concerns have been raised over the potential danger posed by the protective elephant herd during the operation.

 

Mr. Kongkiat Temtumnan, Director of Conservation Area 2, reported on the situation. The injured elephants were first spotted on Sunday, December 1, in the forest around Kaeng Hang Maew, Khun Song Subdistrict, Kaeng Hang Maew District, Chanthaburi. One elephant has a snare wound on the middle of its trunk, while the other is injured near the trunk’s tip. Both calves remain with their herd of approximately 40 wild elephants.

 

A team led by senior veterinarian Supalak Prajan has been monitoring the herd closely. Observations revealed that the group is staying together and protecting the injured calves, making the rescue effort particularly challenging.

 

To ensure a safe and effective operation, the rescue team has divided into three units:

 

1. Anesthesia Team – Responsible for sedating the calves and, if necessary, their protective mothers.

 

2. Medical Team – Tasked with removing the snares, cleaning the wounds, administering antibiotics, and suturing the injuries.

 

3. Control Team – Charged with keeping the rest of the herd at a safe distance to allow the operation to proceed without incident.

 

Given the urgency of the situation and the calves’ vulnerable condition, the team must work swiftly and cautiously. The safety of both the rescue team and the elephants remains the highest priority.

 

Preparations are underway for immediate action as soon as the injured calves are located. Conservation Area 2 has emphasised its commitment to safeguarding every life involved in this mission, ensuring the operation concludes successfully.

 

Members of the public who spot the elephant herd are encouraged to report sightings to Conservation Area 2 (Sriracha) to enable timely intervention.

 

-- 2024-12-04

 

 

[fdimike]

Hard to believe people could be so cruel to the gentle giants.  I suspect no one will be held accountable 😔

[Briggsy]

It is not clear if the snares were targetting the elephants. In fact, they probably weren't. If they were wire snares they were probably after an animal about the girth of a baby elephant's trunk such as a civet cat, wild boar, etc. All protein for the pot.