Elephant Rescued from Snare in Sa Kaeo Province

Picture from responders.

A young wild elephant caught in a wire snare has been successfully rescued and treated by a team of veterinarians and wildlife officials in Sa Kaeo province. The youngster, found limping alongside its mother, had a swollen and injured front right ankle due to the tightly wound snare.

Mr. Ekachai Saendee, head of the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, reported that the elephant was discovered in Moo 5, Ban Khlong Takhian Chai, Thung Maha Charoen subdistrict, Wang Nam Yen district. Authorities immediately mobilised a rescue team, including veterinarians from Wildlife Rescue Centre 2 (Krabok Khu), staff from the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary, the head of the Chong Klam Bon Wildlife Breeding Station, the local administrative organisation, and village security personnel.

To ensure the safety of both the youngster and its mother, veterinarians administered a sedative before proceeding with treatment. The young male elephant, estimated to be between one and two years old and weighing approximately 200 kilograms, was found with a metal wire snare tightly wrapped around its ankle, causing swelling and difficulty walking. Fortunately, the wound had not yet become infected.

Veterinarians carefully removed the snare and treated the wound with antiseptic, antibiotics to prevent infection, anti-inflammatory medication, and pain relief. They also applied an anti-parasitic treatment and thoroughly cleaned the area before administering a recovery drug to reverse the sedative. Both the calf and its mother recovered well from the procedure.

Mr. Ekachai praised the collaboration between the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the Protected Area Regional Office 2 (Si Racha), and the Wildlife Conservation Office, highlighting their dedication to protecting and caring for Thailand’s wildlife. He also emphasised that officials will continue to monitor the elephant’s condition closely to ensure a full recovery.

Authorities expressed their gratitude to the veterinarians and rescue team for their professionalism, dedication, and sacrifice in ensuring the young elephant’s survival and its safe reunion with its mother.

The incident underscores the ongoing threat posed by snares in Thailand’s forests, which are often set by poachers targeting other wildlife but inadvertently trap endangered species like elephants. Conservationists continue to call for stricter enforcement against illegal hunting and improved protection measures for Thailand’s wildlife.

-- 2025-02-27