Wild Elephant Rescued After Being Trapped in Orchard Pond

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Park Rangers.

 

In a dramatic rescue operation, a six-year-old wild elephant nicknamed “Chao Saeb” was successfully helped from a pond in a mangosteen orchard in Bo Rai District, Trat Province, after being unable to climb out on its own.

 

The incident occurred early on the morning of January 19. A worker at the orchard, identified as Mr. Roy, discovered the young male elephant trapped in the pond while performing routine irrigation tasks. The elephant was part of a herd of three elephants that had ventured into the orchard. While the other two elephants managed to leave the pond, “Chao Saeb” remained stuck.

 

Mr. Roy immediately alerted the village headman, Mr. Boonmun Chaiwong, who contacted officials from the Khlong Kaew Waterfall National Park. A team of rangers and wildlife specialists, led by Mr. Wiwat Na, head of the park’s rapid response unit, arrived on-site with a backhoe to assist in the rescue.

 

The team worked quickly, using the backhoe to excavate the pond’s edge and create a path for the elephant to climb out. After approximately 15 minutes, “Chao Saeb” finally emerged from the pond, though visibly stressed. At one point, the elephant used its trunk to grasp the arm of the backhoe, adding to the tension of the operation.

 

Once freed, the elephant retreated into the forest near Wat Suea Dao, closely watched by rangers and local residents who maintained a safe distance to avoid potential harm.

 

According to Mr. Wiwat, the herd of elephants, numbering around 12 to 13 individuals, had been foraging in the area, particularly in rubber plantations where pineapple shoots were available. While three elephants entered the pond to cool off, only two managed to exit unaided.

 

Mr. Wiwat also noted that over 60 wild elephants currently roam the area, frequently foraging in orchards and plantations. He urged local residents to report sightings to park officials to prevent potential conflicts and crop damage.

 

 

He further addressed concerns about recent human-elephant encounters, including a fatal incident in which a motorcyclist collided with an elephant, prompting the animal to retaliate. “We ask the public to exercise caution and inform authorities if they spot elephants nearby,” he said.

 

The rescue highlights the growing challenges of human-wildlife interactions in Thailand, as expanding agricultural areas increasingly overlap with the natural habitats of wild elephants.

 

-- 2025-01-20

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

At one point, the elephant used its trunk to grasp the arm of the backhoe, adding to the tension of the operation.

Smart elephant.

[hotchilli]

Seemed to be enjoying itself...