Elephant Nature Park, a well-known sanctuary in Thailand near Chiang Mai, appealed for help after flash floods forced the evacuation of about 100 elephants. The sanctuary, home to injured, neglected, and elderly elephants, experienced severe flooding with water rising as high as chests of staff members and elephants wading through floodwaters. Some elephants were swept away, and two remain missing. Founder Saengduean Lek Chailert described this year’s floodwaters as the highest and most severe ever experienced, resulting in significant damage to large areas of trees and grasslands within the park.
Staff members worked tirelessly to evacuate all animals to safety as floodwaters quickly rose. Some elephants, mainly males that are wild and not easily relocated, remained at the park. Food and other necessities for the remaining elephants must be sent by boat as certain areas are inaccessible by trucks. The rescued elephants are being moved to the mountains where they will be safe from the flooding. Foreign volunteers, including Americans, who were trapped at the sanctuary have been evacuated and are now staying at a hotel.
The park called for assistance and additional volunteers to join the rescue operation as roads are completely cut off in both directions. Boats, small animal cages, and waterproof tarps are needed to relocate the animals to the mountains due to the flooded conditions. Furthermore, the park has lost electricity and telephone network coverage. Northern Thailand has experienced severe flooding and landslides due to Typhoon Yagi, the most powerful storm in Asia this year. The tropical storm led to thousands of homes being inundated and hundreds of deaths across Southeast Asia, including 46 in Thailand.
Established in 2003, Elephant Nature Park serves as a permanent sanctuary for elephants rescued from the logging and tourism industries by Saengduean. The park provides a safe haven for elephants, other rescued animals, and provides education about their care and conservation. The recent flooding has caused extensive damage to the park, leading to the urgent evacuation of animals to higher ground. Efforts are underway to relocate the remaining elephants to safety, and assistance is needed in the form of boats, cages, tarps, and volunteers to aid in the rescue operation.
The strong floodwaters took a toll on the sanctuary, impacting both the animals and the facilities. The floodwaters have receded to about 3 to 6 feet, a significant improvement from the initial 13 to 16 feet recorded. Despite the challenges posed by the flooding, the staff at Elephant Nature Park continue to work diligently to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals under their care. The appeal for help and support highlights the urgent need for assistance in addressing the aftermath of the flooding and ensuring the continued safety of the elephants and other animals at the sanctuary.
