In a courageous and compassionate rescue, a team of veterinarians in central Thailand saved a mother elephant’s life after she fell into a deep concrete drain during heavy monsoon rains, with her worried calf nearby.
The incident took place yesterday in Nakhon Nayok, where the 10-year-old mother and her one-year-old calf slipped into a seven-foot-deep drain following slippery conditions caused by intense rainfall.
Due to the ongoing downpour, rescuers had to use a cherry picker to carefully lift the large elephants out of the pit.
Tragically, the mother elephant lost consciousness after hitting her head during the fall, putting her life in immediate danger. Veterinarians swiftly sprang into action, performing CPR by rhythmically pressing on her chest in a desperate bid to revive her—all while the distressed calf anxiously watched.
The entire operation lasted three hours, during which the calf was also safely extracted from the drain where she had been trapped since the previous night.
Before rescuing the calf, the team administered tranquilizers to the mother to keep her calm. However, after attempting to move towards her baby, the mother fainted due to her injury.
Lead veterinarian Dr. Chananya Kanchanasarak explained that sedating the mother was vital to prevent her from calling nearby elephants in a herd of 30, which could have complicated the rescue. Using a crane, the rescuers gently lifted both elephants from the drain.
Once on stable ground, the medical team worked tirelessly to revive the unconscious mother. Despite initial fears of severe head trauma, their efforts succeeded as she gradually regained consciousness.
Relieved and emotional, the rescue team—including park rangers and vets—witnessed the touching reunion between mother and calf as they slowly made their way back into the forest, greeted by their herd.
Dr. Kanchanasarak described the rescue as one of the most unforgettable experiences of her career. She expressed deep gratitude to everyone involved and confirmed that both elephants were now safe.
Thailand is home to roughly 4,000 elephants, about half of which live in captivity across camps, zoos, and sanctuaries, with the remainder roaming freely in national parks.
This daring rescue, carried out under difficult conditions, highlights the unwavering dedication and expertise of those committed to protecting these majestic animals.
