PUBLISHED: 6 Oct 2024 at 04: 31
In Chiang Mai’s Mae Taeng city, two animals have perished as a result of inundation at Elephant Nature Park. Pets stranded in rising waters and quick-moving storm currents are the focus of an extensive search.
The park is home to 126 elephants, two of which have been confirmed dying after being swept away by the waters.
Phang Fah Sai, a female rhinoceros, was found deceased near the Sibsan hotel in Mae Taeng area on Saturday night. Plang Mae Khor, who had a crippled knee, is thought to be the other dead critter. But, park staff are also working to ensure the identity.
On Friday, naturalist Saengduean Chailert, the leader of the Elephant Nature Park, wrote on her Instagram page that the park experienced gloom and darkness.
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 areas 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 more than three meters, almost reaching the roofs, surpassing the gates of the species ‘ homes.
” Our blind rhino Mae Ploydaeng, Plang Mae Meeboon, and several others were swept away by the extreme storms before our sight”.
During the inundation, there were also numerous cows and buffaloes missing in the area. All cats and dogs from the substances are protected, she said, though there were no bars for the pets.
Rescue efforts
She expressed her gratitude to rescue staff, volunteers, and state agencies for their support. Some elephant tents have sent their mahouts to ward off the worried elephants and aid in 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 search began at the station and spread to the surrounding area.
The aircraft’s ultraviolet cameras 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 rhinoceros.
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 elephants 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.