Veterinarians in Lampang report death of another injured baby elephant
PUBLISHED : 16 Oct 2025 at 19:52
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“Khao Tom”, a baby wild elephant rescued in Kanchanaburi, shows signs of recovery as of Thursday after weeks of treatment at Bueng Chawak Wildlife Sanctuary in Suphan Buri. (Photo: NuNa Silpa-archa Facebook account)
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) shared uplifting news that “Khao Tom,” a baby wild elephant rescued in Kanchanaburi province, was showing encouraging signs of recovery as of Thursday after weeks of treatment at Bueng Chawak Wildlife Sanctuary in Suphan Buri.
However, veterinarians in Lampang province reported the death of another injured baby elephant on Wednesday.
Khao Tom was rescued on Sept 22 after falling into a pit in Huai Chani Forest, injuring its right hind leg.
Since then, the young elephant has received round-the-clock care from a veterinary team led by Dr Natthanon Panpetch, director of the Bueng Chawak Wildlife Sanctuary.
The team, supported by specialists from the National Elephant Institute, Chiang Mai University’s Faculty of Medical Technology and Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, has helped improve the calf’s strength and mobility.
Khao Tom has begun wearing leg splints and using a supportive frame to aid with balance and muscle training.
The treatment also included joint stretching, ultrasound therapy and peripheral magnetic stimulation—a technique using electromagnetic fields to stimulate muscle function.
The team reported that the elephant can now stand more steadily and move with better coordination.
The calf is drinking milk and water normally and has shown improvement in digestion after being given probiotics and intravenous fluids.
DNP director-general Atthapol Charoenchansa said on Thursday that the department remains committed to ensuring Khao Tom’s full recovery, adding that every effort is being made to give the young elephant the best possible quality of life.
In contrast, the Elephant Hospital in Lampang province announced that an 11-day-old calf, transferred from Chiang Mai after being attacked by its mother, died on Wednesday despite undergoing surgery to repair a broken leg.