An electric fence has been identified as the cause of injury to an elephant found in a weakened state in Khao Yai National Park, the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation reported on Saturday.
Veterinarians were urgently dispatched to inspect the adult male elephant discovered at tambon Pong Talong in Pak Chong district of Nakhon Ratchasima on Friday. The pachyderm was found lying on its side with an open wound at the end of its trunk, having urinated on itself and experiencing diarrhoea.
Veeraya Ochakul, head of animal conservation for the First Conservation Area Administrative Office, said the elephant likely encountered a high-voltage fence. Its condition was consistent with electric shock when vets first examined it.
It is suspected that the elephant contacted a fence set up by local farmers to protect their fields.
Latest reports indicated that the elephant is once more able to stand and is in recovery.
Authorities have pledged to return it to a safe section of Khao Yai National Park once it receives all necessary medical care.