CHIANG MAI, Thailand – A recent flood at the Save Elephant Foundation in Mae Taeng district, Chiang Mai province, has resulted in the tragic loss of two elephants, Oct 8.
The sanctuary, home to over 100 elephants and thousands of other abandoned, sick, and disabled animals, was inundated by floodwaters reaching nearly five meters in height. Of the over 100 elephants, four went missing, including Fah Sai and Ploy Thong, which were swept away by the floodwaters.
As rescuers worked to evacuate over a dozen elephants from the flooded sanctuary on October 4, 16-year-old Fah Sai, a playful and strong swimmer was tragically swept away by the powerful current.
Meanwhile, 40-year-old blind Ploy Thong was washed away from her enclosure by the rising floodwaters. Their bodies were later found downstream near a resort, amidst a pile of debris. The spot was nearly 5 kilometers from their home.
Sangduean Chailert, the founder of the foundation and a Time Magazine Hero of Asia, who loves all animals like her own children, immediately went to embrace Fah Sai and wept with love and grief.
Carried away by the flood, the others found their way leftward. But Ploi Thong, blind and disoriented, couldn’t navigate the turbulent waters. Normally, she followed the sound of her friends’ footsteps and the mahout’s voice, since she couldn’t see. When the water came, she couldn’t save herself, Sangduean said.
Fah Sai was rescued from being a street-begging elephant when it was three years old. It was a very good-natured elephant, cheerful and bright. She was worried about her friends and returned. In fact, she had already escaped to the front of the sanctuary, she added.
She rescued them from abuse and raised them like her own children. She buried the two elephants near where they were found and planted pink trumpet trees as a beautiful and vibrant symbol to remember them.
The floodwaters also caused significant damage to the sanctuary, forcing the evacuation of all animals. The sanctuary is now assessing the damage and working to rebuild.
Phra Aod, a monk of the Chediluang Temple who is also known as an elephant conservationist said he offered his support to Sangduaen and all elephant conservationists. This devastating loss underscores the urgent need to strengthen our efforts to safeguard elephants, particularly during natural disasters. We must be better prepared and learn from this tragedy to prevent such heartbreaking events in the future. (TNA)
