On Thursday, devastating flash floods struck the Elephant Nature Park, a well-known sanctuary in northern Thailand, leading to the tragic deaths of two elephants and the urgent evacuation of around 100 others along with numerous tourists. The sanctuary, situated near Chiang Mai, experienced its most severe flooding ever, as described by its founder, Saengduean “Lek” Chailert. The floodwaters rose rapidly, forcing evacuations that were captured in dramatic videos showing mahouts guiding elephants through deep waters in search of safety. The urgency of the situation was palpable as staff shouted commands to direct the massive animals out of their pens and toward higher ground.
Despite the initial rescue efforts, challenges persisted as some elephants remained trapped in their quarters, with Chailert noting that thirteen adult elephants panicked and could not be evacuated. Among the deceased elephants was Ploy Thong, a blind animal who was swept away by the floods. The emotional impact of these losses was evident, with Chailert expressing deep sorrow over witnessing the tragic events unfold. The disastrous weather conditions were attributed to torrential rains linked to Typhoon Yagi, which had wreaked havoc across the region, leaving in its wake considerable destruction and loss of life.
Authorities in Chiang Mai raised alerts as water levels in the Ping River reached perilous heights, exacerbating the flooding situation. The sanctuary faced the daunting possibility of another evacuation as water levels continued to rise, prompting Chailert to seek immediate assistance from local authorities. She revealed that the park needed urgent resources such as boats, which would enable mahouts to remain with the elephants during transportation, minimizing their stress amid the chaos. The call for help also included requests for volunteers and animal cages to facilitate the safe transfer of animals to safer areas.
In addition to the elephants, the sanctuary is home to a wide variety of rescued animals, including around 5,000 other species such as dogs and pigs. Some of these animals had also required evacuation due to flooding warnings issued by local authorities. Many elephants at the park are disabled or suffer from medical issues that complicate evacuation procedures. Chailert highlighted that among the already evacuated animals, several were sick and needed physical assistance to reach safer ground, thereby amplifying the overall urgency of the rescue operations.
However, despite efforts to reach the sanctuary, the head of Thailand’s Department of National Parks reported significant obstacles. Many rescue workers found themselves unable to access the park due to flooded roads. Atthapol Charoenchansa emphasized the dire need for flat-bottomed boats and additional volunteers to assist in evacuating the remaining animals safely. The flooding extended beyond the park, inundating several villages within Chiang Mai’s Mae Rim district, which further complicated rescue efforts.
The plight of the elephants in Thailand reflects broader concerns surrounding their conservation and welfare. The wild elephant population has suffered a dramatic decline in recent decades due to various factors, including poaching, habitat loss, and the detrimental effects of tourism. Current estimates suggest that only about 3,000 to 4,000 wild elephants remain, a stark contrast to the more than 100,000 that roamed the country at the turn of the 20th century. The recent flood crisis at the Elephant Nature Park underscores the vulnerabilities faced by these majestic creatures, amplifying the urgent need for conservation efforts and robust protections to ensure their survival in a rapidly changing world.