Elderly Wild Elephant Receives Emergency Treatment in Khao Sok National Park

Picture courtesy of Komchadluek.

A 70-year-old female wild elephant is receiving emergency medical care after collapsing in a palm oil plantation near the boundary of Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani province.

Mr Theekawut Sriburin, head of Khao Sok National Park, confirmed that park officials and a veterinary team from Protected Area Regional Office 4 (Surat Thani) swiftly launched a rescue operation upon receiving reports of the incident.

The elephant was discovered in Village 6, Khlong Sok Subdistrict, Phanom District, lying in a weakened state and unable to stand. The area, located on the edge of the national park, had been experiencing persistent rain, resulting in muddy conditions that hampered the rescue effort.

Veterinarians immediately administered intravenous fluids to combat dehydration and restore the animal’s strength. Anti-inflammatory medication was given to relieve pain and sugar solutions were used to provide an energy boost. Blood samples were also collected for laboratory analysis to determine the root cause of the illness.

Despite the difficult terrain and adverse weather conditions, the rescue team remains stationed at the site, monitoring the elephant’s condition around the clock. Officials remain hopeful that the elephant will respond positively to treatment and make a recovery.

This incident highlights the challenges faced by Thailand’s conservation teams in safeguarding ageing wildlife as their habitats increasingly overlap with agricultural land.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khomchadluek 2025-06-10