The Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary has reported the successful rescue of a wild baby elephant yesterday after the calf fell into a pond in Pong Nam Ron district, Chanthaburi. The Baby elephant was later brought back to its mother.
The incident happened near the herd, so rescue teams worked with extra care. The operation went well, and the young elephant was soon back with its mother. At 8.30 am, the wildlife officials received a call from the Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary after residents had spotted a baby elephant trapped in a pond at Ban Phang Ngon village, Thap Sai subdistrict, about five kilometres away.
Rangers from the Wang Krabae Forest Protection Unit, staff from Khlong Khruea Wai Wildlife Sanctuary, members of the Dongjik Unit at the 544th Marine Ranger Base, a rapid response team, local officials, village heads, and elephant monitoring volunteers all joined the rescue.
The team started their efforts around 10 am, working together to help the young elephant.
With ropes and gentle guidance, the rescuers helped the calf get out of the pond. The team then led it back to the sanctuary, where its mother was waiting. Both animals returned to the forest together, which brought relief to everyone present.
Local reports say the rescue was not easy, as the nearby herd could have become distressed. Still, the rescue finished without injuries to the elephants, officials, or villagers. Staff at Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary confirmed that everyone involved remained safe.
Rescue teams and residents in Pong Nam Ron district managed to save the calf, which had slipped into a pond, before reuniting it with its mother on Sunday, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
Khao Soi Dao Wildlife Sanctuary in Chanthaburi, Thailand, is home to many animals, including the endangered Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus indicus). This sanctuary extends over nearly 745 square kilometres of tropical rainforest and mountain landscape in the Cardamom Mountains. It offers a safe space for elephants, which helps support biodiversity by spreading seeds and opening up parts of the forest.
But wild elephants here still face risks. In 2021, a male elephant known as See Dor Daeng, who weighed over seven tonnes, died from an electric shock when he walked into a 220-volt wire on a fruit farm. This shows how conflicts between humans and elephants can turn deadly.
Also in 2021, there was a report of two wild elephants fighting on a golf course in Chanthaburi, leading to a fatal outcome and highlighting the dangers of shrinking habitats and territory disputes.
These elephants need more protection, as loss of forest, farming, and poaching put them at risk. The sanctuary’s tough terrain and lack of visitor facilities make seeing elephants rare, often requiring guided treks or overnight camping.
Supporting responsible tourism and local conservation projects is key to keeping elephants and their habitat safe. For ethical experiences, visitors should avoid places that offer elephant rides or use harmful treatment, and instead choose activities where observation is the main focus.
