Mystery as Wild Elephant Found Dead on Rural Road in Chachoengsao

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture from responders.

 

A young wild elephant from the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, which spans five eastern provinces of Thailand, has been found dead under mysterious circumstances on a dirt road near a sugarcane plantation in Chachoengsao province. The elephant’s body bore dried blood stains and multiple old wounds resembling shotgun pellet impacts.

 

At around 11:30 on 20 February, conservation officers from the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, along with local administrative officials and rescue volunteers from Phanom Sarakham, were dispatched to the scene in Khlong Takrao subdistrict, Tha Takiap district, following reports from a local fisherman who had discovered the body.

 

The elephant, an eight-year-old male weighing approximately five tonnes, was found lying on its side, blocking the dirt road that runs through eucalyptus plantations, sugarcane fields, and oil palm farms. The scene was located about 300 metres from a quarry road and connected to routes leading into Bo Thong district, Chonburi. The elephant had a single long, sharp tusk on its left side, measuring about 50 centimetres. Its body was positioned with its trunk curved towards the sugarcane plantation, while its tail and hindquarters remained near the eucalyptus trees.

 

Upon examination, conservation officers found dried blood streaks running down the elephant’s left side and pooling along its underside. The body was also covered in deep, old wounds resembling shotgun pellet entry points, with some injuries partially healed while others remained open but were beginning to close over with scar tissue.

 

A particularly large open wound, approximately 15 centimetres long, was discovered near the tip of the elephant’s trunk. The cut appeared to be either from a sharp object or a grazing bullet wound, with the inner tissue beginning to dry.

 

Authorities are awaiting the arrival of forensic officers from Tha Takiap Police Station and veterinarians from Protected Area Region 2 to conduct a full autopsy. The investigation aims to determine the cause of death and assess whether the elephant was a victim of poaching or conflict with local communities.

 

-- 2025-02-21