Pictures courtesy of Daily News

 

A rescue operation in Kui Buri National Park, Prachuap Khiri Khan, successfully located and treated an injured male wild elephant after three days of searching. Park officials confirmed that the animal, which had a visible wound on its hind leg and signs of diarrhoea, was found on the evening of 24 November using a drone after earlier searches failed to locate it. Veterinary teams administered a tranquilliser and provided urgent medical treatment, allowing the elephant to stand and walk again later that night.

 

The search began after reports on 22 November that the elephant had been seen in a grassland feeding area known as Bo 1 in Hat Kham Subdistrict, Kui Buri District. Head of Kui Buri National Park, Bamrungrat Ploydam, led teams to track the animal, which had not been sighted for two days despite evidence of its presence. Earlier operations only encountered a herd believed to be associated with the injured elephant, prompting continued monitoring in surrounding areas.

 

On 25 November, officials reported that at 18.40 on 24 November a drone was flown over nearby terrain to conduct a more detailed search, resulting in the successful sighting of the injured male elephant. Veterinary officer Anurak Sakulpong and relevant personnel were immediately called in to plan treatment. At 19.35, the team fired a tranquilliser and waited for the sedative to take effect before approaching to examine the wound.

 

The examination revealed a centimetre external wound on the elephant’s left hind leg, with a depth of at least 10 centimetres and signs of swelling. The veterinary team treated the injury as a priority and monitored the animal’s response closely. By 21.20, the elephant began to move and was able to walk, which officials considered a positive indication of recovery.

 

Daily News reported that following the treatment, teams withdrew from the area and assigned officers from the Pai Yang forest unit to continue monitoring the elephant closely. Officials stated that ongoing observation will help assess the animal’s condition and determine whether further medical intervention is required. The operation highlighted coordinated efforts between park authorities, veterinarians and related agencies to ensure the elephant’s welfare.

 

 

Key Takeaways

 

• A male wild elephant injured in Kui Buri National Park was located on 24 November using a drone after three days of searching.

• Veterinary teams tranquillised the elephant and treated a deep hind leg wound.

• The elephant was able to walk again later that night, and officials will continue monitoring its condition.

 

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 Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Dailynews 2025-11-26

 

 

Very well done by the veterinary teams.