A well-known elephant sanctuary in Thailand, Elephant Nature Park, near the city of Chiang Mai, appealed for help after torrential flash floods forced the evacuation of about 100 elephants. Videos and pictures showed elephants wading through deep floodwaters, with some staff members accompanying them. The sanctuary, which is home to injured, neglected, and elderly elephants as well as other rescued animals, reported that some of the elephants had been swept away and two remain missing.
The flood caused significant damage to large areas of trees and grasslands in the park, with water levels rising rapidly. Staff members worked tirelessly to evacuate all animals to safety, but nine elephants, mostly wild males, were still not evacuated. Food and other necessities were being sent via boat as some areas were inaccessible to trucks. The rescued elephants were being relocated to the mountains for safety.
The park called for assistance and more volunteers to join the rescue operation, as roads have been entirely cut off. They specifically requested boats, small animal cages, and waterproof tarps to help relocate the animals. The park had lost electricity and telephone network coverage due to the flooding.
The recent severe flooding in northern Thailand was caused by Typhoon Yagi, leading to landslides and thousands of homes being inundated. The tropical storm also resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people across Southeast Asia. Elephant Nature Park was established in 2003 as a sanctuary for elephants rescued from the logging and tourism industries by its founder, Saengduean Lek Chailert.
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