In a first-of-its-kind operation in Thailand, a team of officials successfully rescued two baby elephants injured by rope snares while navigating through a herd of 60 wild elephants. The incident took place on December 4, 2014, in the Kaeng Hang Maeo Forest Protection Unit, Khun Song Subdistrict, Chanthaburi Province, following reports from villagers about the injured calves.
The elephants, part of a herd of 40-60, were found with severe injuries: one baby had a snare cutting into the tip of its trunk, while the other had a snare wrapped tightly around the middle of its trunk. The rescue plan involved tranquilizing the calves and their mothers, separating them from the herd, and providing immediate veterinary care.
The first calf was sedated and treated after its herd was pushed deeper into the forest. The veterinary team removed the snare from its trunk, administered antibiotics, and ensured the calf regained mobility before it was reintroduced to the herd. The second rescue proved more challenging as the baby elephant, after being sedated, ran back into the forest, followed closely by its mother. Officials managed to separate them, allowing veterinarians to remove the snare and treat a partially healed wound on the right trunk hole.
Although both elephants were saved, one of them may experience long-term impairment in using its trunk for grasping. Continued monitoring will be necessary to assess their recovery and adaptation.
This operation highlights the dedication and expertise of the rescue team, whose efforts have been widely praised for navigating such a high-risk situation to save the young elephants.
