In Mae Tang district, over 100 elephants at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai province were relocated to higher ground to escape rapidly rising flood waters, according to an employee named Dada. Unfortunately, two elephants named Faa Sai and 40-year-old Ploy Thong, who was blind, were found dead due to the flooding. The director of the Elephant Nature Park, Saengduean Chailert, expressed her devastation, saying that seeing her elephants floating in the water was her worst nightmare. She vowed to never let such a tragedy happen again and to ensure the safety of the elephants by moving them to higher ground before the next year’s monsoon season.
Ploy Thong, who had lost her herd during the flood, was swept away by the raging river despite the efforts of her caretaker. Faa Sai, on the other hand, ventured too close to the river during the flood and was also swept away despite the nature park team’s attempts to keep her safe. Tragically, both elephants were found drowned about 1km downstream from the park. Ploy Thong had been rescued from an elephant riding camp in Pattaya in 2018 after working in the logging industry, while Faa Sai, born in 2002, was rescued in November 2007.
This incident highlights the dangers that wild animals, including elephants, face during natural disasters such as floods. The impact of climate change on wildlife, particularly in vulnerable regions like northern Thailand, can lead to devastating consequences. The loss of Faa Sai and Ploy Thong has deeply affected the Elephant Nature Park and serves as a reminder of the importance of conservation efforts to protect endangered species in the face of environmental challenges.
The dedication and commitment of the caretakers and staff at the Elephant Nature Park to the welfare of the elephants is evident in their efforts to save the animals from the floodwaters. Despite their best efforts, the powerful force of nature proved too much for both Faa Sai and Ploy Thong. The tragic loss of these elephants has sparked a renewed sense of urgency to enhance safety measures and preparedness to safeguard the remaining elephants at the park in case of future floods or natural disasters.
The heartbreaking deaths of Faa Sai and Ploy Thong serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing threats faced by elephants in Thailand and across the world. The need for greater awareness, conservation efforts, and disaster preparedness are crucial to protect these majestic animals from harm. The Elephant Nature Park’s commitment to learning from this tragedy and taking proactive steps to prevent such incidents in the future reflects their dedication to the well-being and safety of the elephants under their care.
As communities and conservation organizations continue to grapple with the impacts of climate change and natural disasters, the story of Faa Sai and Ploy Thong serves as a somber lesson about the vulnerability of wildlife in the face of environmental challenges. By honoring the memory of these elephants and redoubling efforts to protect and preserve their species, we can work towards a future where such tragedies are minimized, and wild animals are able to thrive in their natural habitats without fear of harm or destruction.
