CHIANG MAI, Thailand – A team of veterinarians and mahouts began the operation to relocate “Plai Dok Kaew,” an 8-year-old elephant, from the Elephant Conservation and Environment Foundation to his new home, October 19.
Plai Dok Kaew, who has been under the foundation’s care for several years, was reported to be in good spirits and showed no signs of stress. Blood tests confirmed that the elephant is in excellent health, making him ready for the move. The relocation team, led by Dr. Preecha Puangkhum, former director of the National Elephant Institute, consisted of more than 20 volunteer mahouts. They brought a specialized elephant transport truck to the elephant care center at the foundation’s site in Mae Taeng, Chiang Mai, early in the afternoon.
However, the truck became stuck in the mud and was unable to reach the elephant enclosure, forcing the team to adjust their plan. In the evening, under heavy rainfall, the team performed a ritual to seek blessings for the safe relocation of the elephant. Mahouts began feeding Plai Dok Kaew and familiarizing themselves with him to make the process smoother, as the elephant remained calm under sedation.
The plan involves using an older elephant, “Plai Kham Daen,” to lead Plai Dok Kaew out of the enclosure, while another elephant will follow behind to guide him onto the truck waiting at a nearby road. The team is confident that Plai Dok Kaew will successfully be relocated to his new home at Phatara Elephant Camp in Ban Pong, Hang Dong District.
This relocation comes after recent controversy between Khunying Kanjana Silpa-archa and Sangduan “Lek” Chailert, the foundation’s president, following a flood that caused the tragic loss of two elephants earlier in October. The dispute escalated when Lek suggested that Khunying Kanjana take back the two elephants she had entrusted to the foundation, including Plai Dok Kaew, an orphaned elephant purchased at two years old, and “Plai Khun Det,” a disabled wild elephant.
The relocation of Plai Dok Kaew marks the resolution of this dispute. (TNA)
