The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has shared uplifting news that “Khao Tom”, a baby wild elephant rescued in Kanchanaburi, was showing encouraging signs of recovery as of yesterday after weeks of treatment at Bueng Chawak Wildlife Sanctuary in Suphan Buri.
Meanwhile, veterinarians in Lampang reported the sad passing of another injured baby elephant on Wednesday.
Khao Tom was rescued on Sept 22 after falling into a pit in the 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 veterinarian 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 help with balance and muscle training.
The treatment also includes joint stretching, ultrasound therapy, and peripheral magnetic stimulation, an electromagnetic technique to stimulate muscle function.
The team reports 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 its digestion after being given probiotics and intravenous fluids.
DNP director-general, Atthapol Charoenchansa, said yesterday 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 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.