Wild Elephant Rescued from Farm Pond in Chumphon Province

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

A rescue operation unfolded in the hills of Chumphon, when a wild elephant became trapped in a large agricultural reservoir. The 40-year-old bull elephant, known to locals as “Jao Duan Hoo Dang” or “Plai Rungthiwa,” was successfully helped out of the eight-metre-deep water after an hours-long effort by wildlife officers and local authorities.

The incident occurred in Moo 5, Phra Rak Subdistrict, Phato District, Chumphon Province. The elephant had apparently fallen into the water catchment pond in the early hours of the morning. Mr. Yongyut Thawitsri, the village headman, notified the district chief after discovering the stranded animal around 11:00 on 20 July, during a routine visit to his farm.

The pond, located at an elevation of around 200 metres above sea level, measures approximately 5 metres wide and 15 metres long. The elephant, estimated to weigh around 5,000 kilograms, was found visibly exhausted, with pale ears and trunk tip, clear signs of having been trapped in water for several hours.

Upon receiving the report, Mr. Natthawut Yod-udom, head of the local volunteer territorial defence corps, and Mr. Nisit Trakanphasakul, head of the Khuan Mae Yai Mon Wildlife Sanctuary, led a team of rescuers to the scene.

A joint plan was devised to pump water from the pond while using an excavator to create an exit ramp. The farm owner, Mr. Sunthorn, gave full permission for the pond to be partially drained and altered for the sake of the rescue.

By approximately 15:00., the elephant was finally able to climb out safely. In a moment described as deeply moving by witnesses, the elephant paused, turned to face the rescuers and appeared to acknowledge them silently, before calmly returning to the nearby forest.

Officials from the wildlife sanctuary’s elephant monitoring team followed the animal at a safe distance to ensure it returned unharmed to protected forest territory.

The elephant is a known figure in the area due to its distinctive damaged ear and has been spotted occasionally near farmlands. Local officials urged residents to report future sightings and avoid approaching the animal.

The successful rescue was hailed as an example of effective cooperation between local communities and wildlife protection agencies.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-07-21