Tiny trumpeter: Lost wild Thai elephant calf finds a voice and milk refuge

A one-month-old wild Thai elephant calf discovered alone and in a weakened state has begun making some noise and consuming milk regularly. Despite the absence of a wild elephant herd in the nearby vicinity, Thap Lan National Park and its veterinary team have been assisting the lost calf.

The calf was found wandering near a cassava farm belonging to villagers in Talingshan Village, Charoekhin District, Khorat Province, which borders Buriram Province. Upon examination, the male calf, not older than one month, was found in a woeful state, hence a temporary enclosure was set up near the location where the calf was found, with officials assigned to look after it 24 hours a day.

The Public Relations Facebook page of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation today updated the elephant calf’s progress.

Kathavut Kanyama, the Head of Thap Lan National Park Management Zone 5 (Puluam Inlay), reported that the Zone 5 team has been looking after the wild calf situated in Talingshan Village, Charoekhin District, Khorat Province.

Yesterday at 8.30pm, the officials fed the calf, which was able to consume normally and defecate as expected. Today at 1.30am, the calf was observed to defecate normally, begin to walk, and make noises. However, upon observation, no wild elephant herd has ventured into the nearby vicinity, reported KhaoSod.

During the time slots at 4am, 6am, and 9am, the officials fed the calf as per the vet’s schedule. The calf was able to consume normally and had good defecation, turning the stool yellow, indicating improvement in its health. The calf will continue to receive close attention and care.

In related news, Khon Kaen, a northeastern province in Thailand, experienced an invasion of wild elephants from the neighbouring province of Loei.

The elephants, in search of food, have descended from the mountains of Phu Kradueng district, causing widespread destruction in two subdistricts – Boribun and Dong Lan in Si Chomphu district – of the province. Read more about this story HERE.