Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand Appeals for Help Amid Devastating Floods Affecting 100 Elephants

In a distressing development in northern Thailand, a prominent elephant sanctuary has issued an urgent plea for assistance following severe flash floods that necessitated the evacuation of nearly 100 elephants. The Elephant Nature Park, located near Chiang Mai, has been facing unprecedented challenges as torrential rains inundated the area, causing significant disruption to both the animals and the facilities.

The Devastating Impact of the Floods

Recent footage and images shared by the Elephant Nature Park depict the dire situation, with elephants struggling to navigate through floodwaters that reached perilous depths. The sanctuary, renowned for providing refuge to injured, neglected, and elderly elephants, has been severely affected, with some elephants reported missing amidst the chaos.

A Call for Support

Saengduean Lek Chailert, the founder of Elephant Nature Park, took to social media to highlight the gravity of the situation, stating that the current floods have surpassed any previous occurrences in terms of severity. The sanctuary, which also houses other rescued animals, has been forced to evacuate various areas, including the disabled dog kennel, due to the rising water levels.

The floodwaters have wreaked havoc on the park, causing extensive damage to trees and grasslands, as reported by Saengduean. In a matter of minutes, the water level escalated dramatically, prompting an immediate and tireless effort to ensure the safety of all the animals within the facility.

Despite the relentless efforts, elephant park staff revealed that nine out of the approximately 100 elephants had yet to be evacuated due to their wild nature, posing challenges in relocation. Furthermore, the floodwaters had receded to a height of 3 to 6 feet, a significant reduction from the earlier levels of 13 to 16 feet observed on Friday morning.

Ongoing Rescue Operations

Efforts to provide necessary sustenance to the remaining elephants are ongoing, with food and essential supplies being transported via boat to inaccessible areas. The rescued elephants are being relocated to the mountains, seeking refuge from the persistent flooding, according to park personnel.

Moreover, it has been confirmed that approximately 30 foreign volunteers, including several Americans, who were previously stranded at the sanctuary, have managed to secure their safety and are currently residing in a hotel.

In light of the extensive damage and disruption caused by the floods, the Elephant Nature Park has urgently sought assistance from the public. The sanctuary is in dire need of boats, small animal cages, and waterproof tarps to facilitate the relocation of animals to the mountains, as the area remains entirely flooded, hindering conventional transport.

Furthermore, the sanctuary has reported a loss of electricity and telecommunications, exacerbating the challenges faced in the aftermath of the disaster. The floods in northern Thailand are attributed to Typhoon Yagi, the most powerful storm to affect the region this year, which has also resulted in widespread devastation across Southeast Asia, claiming numerous lives and displacing thousands.

A Sanctuary for Elephants

Established in 2003 by Saengduean, Elephant Nature Park serves as a permanent sanctuary for elephants rescued from the logging and tourism industries. The sanctuary has been a pivotal institution in providing shelter and care for these magnificent creatures, advocating for their welfare and rehabilitation.

The current crisis poses a significant threat to the well-being of the resident elephants and wildlife, emphasizing the urgent need for support and intervention from the community and beyond.

Efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the elephants and other animals at the Elephant Nature Park require immediate attention and aid, as the sanctuary navigates the aftermath of the devastating floods. The resilience of the animals and the dedication of the staff are commendable, but the extent of the damage necessitates collective action to safeguard the lives of these vulnerable beings.