Two elephants drown amid severe flooding in Chiang Mai park

Two elephants tragically drowned following severe flooding at Chiang Mai’s Elephant Nature Park in the Mae Taeng district. As efforts intensify to rescue animals stranded by rising waters, the park’s 126 elephants face unprecedented challenges.

The park confirmed the deaths of two elephants, swept away by the floodwaters. Phang Fah Sai, a female elephant, was discovered near the Sibsan resort yesterday morning, October 5. The other deceased elephant is believed to be Plang Mae Khor, who had a disabled leg, though park staff are still working to confirm the identity.

Conservationist Saengduean Chailert, founder of the Elephant Nature Park, described October 4 as a day of darkness and gloom for the park.

“Our animals are adrift in floodwater. Our elephants are not chained, but remain in fenced enclosures,” wrote Saengduean on her Facebook page. “The floodwater has risen to over 3 metres, surpassing the fences of the animals’ shelters and almost reaching the roofs.”

Upon receiving a flood warning on October 3, staff began evacuating the elephants to higher ground. However, the water levels continued to rise, flooding even the elevated areas, Saengduean said.

“Our blind elephant Mae Ploydaeng, Plang Mae Meeboon, and several others were swept away by the severe floods before our eyes.”

Severe flooding

In addition to the elephants, many cows and buffalo at the park have gone missing due to the flooding. Fortunately, all cats and dogs from the compound are reported safe despite the lack of cages for the animals.

Saengduean expressed her gratitude to rescue workers, volunteers, and government agencies for their assistance. She noted that many elephant camps also sent mahouts to help control the panicked elephants and assist in the evacuation.

“I was heartbroken when I was informed that two elephants had been found dead.”

Helicopters from Wing 41 of the Royal Thai Air Force, led by Group Captain Phanpaporn Jinawat, Commander of Wing 41, have been instrumental in tracking down the missing elephants. The aerial search, extending from the camp to the surrounding area, employed an infrared camera that detected three elephants about 1 kilometre from the camp. Additionally, the camera identified a dead elephant.

The infrared camera also spotted three more elephants: one walking up a mountain and two remaining still. It is believed these elephants were sheltering on the mountain, and the coordinates were provided to the mahouts to facilitate their rescue.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the Royal Forest Department, a team of veterinarians, officials from the National Elephant Institute, and volunteers have been actively involved in the rescue operations, reported Bangkok Post.

Out of the 126 elephants, 114 have been moved to safety. Nine male elephants remain stranded, two have died, and one is missing. Other animals, including buffalo, goats, dogs, and cats, have also been relocated to safe areas, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.