Baby elephant Khao Tom’s journey ends in Suphan Buri

A three-month-old elephant calf named Khao Tom died yesterday afternoon, January 13, in Suphan Buri after a rapid decline in health, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

The female calf passed away at 3.40pm at the Bueng Chawak Wildlife Management Development Centre, where she had been receiving intensive care from veterinarians and wildlife officials.

Her death was later confirmed to be linked to acute liver failure.

Officials said Khao Tom, meaning boiled rice in Thai, had been under close medical supervision since being rescued from Lam Khlong Ngu National Park, where she was first discovered in a weakened condition. She was subsequently transferred to the wildlife centre in Suphan Buri for treatment and rehabilitation.

Assessments indicated that the calf had shown signs of abnormal liver function from the outset. Senior veterinarian Natthanon Panphet, head of the Bueng Chawak Non‑Hunting Area and wildlife centre, and veterinarian Kantpitcha Han‑asa from the Department of National Parks’ Conservation Division, said initial findings pointed to acute liver failure as the cause of death.

Despite continuous care and treatment provided in line with veterinary standards, officials said the young elephant’s condition remained fragile. Her age, just three months and 23 days, along with the severity of her illness, limited her ability to fully recover.

The Department of National Parks said Khao Tom was cared for with close attention and compassion throughout her treatment period, as staff hoped she would regain strength and eventually grow into adulthood.

Khao Tom will be buried at the Bueng Chawak Non‑Hunting Area in Suphan Buri in accordance with established scientific and veterinary procedures. Detailed autopsy results will be released at a later date.

In a statement, the Department of National Parks and the Bueng Chawak Wildlife Management Development Centre thanked members of the public who followed Khao Tom’s condition and offered messages of support.

Officials said the loss serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting Thailand’s wild elephants, which are a protected species and remain vulnerable from birth.