In Chiang Mai’s Mae Taeng area, two animals have perished as a result of inundation at Elephant Nature Park. Pets stranded in rising waters and quick-moving storm currents are currently the focus of an extensive search.
The park is home to 126 animals, two of which have been confirmed dead after being swept away by the waters.
Phang Fah Sai, a female rhinoceros, was found deceased near the Sibsan location in Mae Taeng area on Saturday night. Plang Mae Khor, who had a crippled knee, is thought to be the other dead marsupial. But, park staff are also working to verify the identity.
The Elephant Nature Park’s leader, naturalist Saengduean Chailert, wrote on her Instagram page that Friday was a time of doom and gloom for the area.
When the animals were issued with the storm warning on Thursday, workers began moving them to higher ground, and the energy continued into Friday evening. But, the water kept rising, and even more increased places were not spared. The whole elephant village has been greatly flooded.
” Our pets are adrift in rainwater. Our animals are never chained, but remain in guarded containers”, Ms Saengduean wrote. ” The rainwater has risen to over three meters, almost reaching the buildings and breaking through the gates of the creatures ‘ homes.”
” Our blind rhino Mae Ploydaeng, Plang Mae Meeboon, and several others were swept away by the extreme storms before our sight”.
During the flood, there were also numerous cows and buffaloes missing in the garden. All cats and dogs from the substances are protected, she said, though there were no bars for the pets.
She expressed her gratitude to rescue staff, volunteers, and government organizations for their support. Some elephant camps also sent their mahouts to elude the worried elephants and provide assistance with their evacuation. When she learned that two elephant had been found dead, Ms. Saengduean said she was heartbroken.
However, planes from Wing 41 of the Royal Thai Air Force, led by Gp Capt Phanpaporn Jinawat, Commander of Wing 41, helped record down the missing animals. He claimed that the underwater search began at the station and continued to the area.
The plane’s ultraviolet camera captured what appeared to be three animals about a kilometer from the camp during the study. They may have found the animals they were looking for, as well as a dying rhino.
The pilot’s infrared cameras also detected three more animals: one walking up the mountain and two remaining however. The animals were given the coordinates to track them down after they were believed to be sheltered on the hill.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, along with the Royal Forest Department, a group of doctors, officials from the National Elephant Institute, and individuals, assisted in rescuing the stranded animals at the area.
Out of a total of 126 animals, 114 have been moved to health, while nine female elephant remain stranded, two animals have died, and one is missing. Other wildlife, including bull, sheep, dogs, and animals, have also been moved to health, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.