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Thailand floods: desperate rescues underway at elephant sanctuaries in Chiang Mai
October 8, 2024
PRESS RELEASE
Elephants herded to safety at the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai (image: ENP) โ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ค๐ช๐ง ๐ฅ๐๐จ๐ฉ ๐๐ง๐ฉ๐๐๐ก๐ ๐ค๐ฃ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐ฌ๐ค๐ฃ๐๐๐ง๐๐ช๐ก ๐๐ก๐๐ฅ๐๐๐ฃ๐ฉ ๐จ๐๐ฃ๐๐ฉ๐ช๐๐ง๐๐๐จ ๐๐ฃ ๐๐๐๐๐ก๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ ๐๐ค๐ฌ ๐ฉ๐ค ๐ฅ๐ก๐๐ฃ ๐ ๐ฌ๐๐ก๐๐ก๐๐๐-๐๐ง๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ก๐ฎ ๐๐ค๐ก๐๐๐๐ฎ.
Severe flash floods have wreaked havoc near Chiang Mai, Thailand, endangering both the human population and wildlife, with a desperate rescue operation continuing at elephant sanctuaries devastated by the deluge.
The disaster is prompting urgent calls for international assistance to aid rescue and relief efforts.
Rescuers are helping many animals flee the flooded area (image: ENP)
The flooding crisis in northern Thailand
The torrential rains, which began earlier this month, have caused rivers to overflow, leading to unprecedented flooding across northern Thailand. Chiang Mai, a popular region for tourists, has received the worst of the deluge.
Thai authorities have issued multiple warnings, evacuating people from low-lying areas and deploying emergency services to assist those stranded. However, animals, particularly those in captivity, have faced a critical shortage of food and medical care.
According to the World Animal Protection (WAP) Thailand, the situation has become dire for elephants and other animals housed in these facilities. While floodwaters continue to rise, many sanctuaries are struggling to cope, with enclosures submerged and access to basic resources cut off.
โThis flooding crisis highlights just how vulnerable animals in human care can be during natural disasters,โ says a WAP spokesperson.
Rescuing elephants in Thailand as flood emergency hits wildlife sanctuariesย
Chiang Mai is home to several renowned elephant sanctuaries, which have long provided refuge to elephants rescued from tourism and labour industries. However, the flooding has severely impacted these sanctuaries, leaving staff and volunteers grappling with the logistical nightmare of moving large animals and providing adequate care under emergency conditions.
The Elephant Nature Park, one of Thailandโs most famous sanctuaries, is among the worst affected. Founded by Lek Chailert, a prominent advocate for elephant welfare, the park shelters elephants rescued from exploitation in the logging and tourism industries.
Despite years of working towards rehabilitation, the sanctuary now faces a new challenge as mudslides and rising waters have cut off access to vital food and medical supplies.
โThe floodwaters came in too quickly, and we are doing everything we can to keep the elephants safe,โ Chailert recently posted on social media.
โWe need help to ensure that these beautiful creatures survive this disaster.โ
While sanctuaries like the Elephant Nature Park have experience managing animal welfare, they are not equipped to handle natural disasters of this scale. This has left many animals, including elephants, in immediate danger.
Visitors are able to interact with the elephants in their natural environment (image: EJS)
Ongoing rescue efforts and immediate disaster response
World Animal Protection is actively coordinating with local organisations to mitigate the impact of the flooding on animals. Their immediate response includes supplying emergency food to areas that are currently accessible, mobilising volunteer veterinarians, and providing essential medical care to displaced and injured animals. Additionally, they are working with local authorities to set up temporary shelters for animals and distribute rescue equipment to support emergency teams on the ground.
One of the key challenges in the rescue operation has been the scale of the flooding. Many roads leading to these sanctuaries are underwater, and volunteers have had to rely on boats and makeshift rafts to deliver supplies.
โWe are doing everything we can to ensure the welfare of these animals, but we need international support to continue these efforts,โ says a WAP spokesperson.
The local community has also stepped in to help, with villagers and monks from nearby temples working alongside rescue teams to safeguard the animals. WAP says that while their efforts are commendable, resources are thin, and ongoing international support is critical to keep the operations running smoothly.
Long-term implications for animal welfare in Thailand
The flooding crisis has raised urgent questions about the preparedness of animal sanctuaries for natural disasters. Many of these facilities, while providing refuge for elephants and other wildlife, are not designed to withstand extreme weather events.
World Animal Protection stresses the need for long-term solutions, such as improved infrastructure and emergency response training for sanctuary workers.
โWe need to ensure that animals in human care are not just rescued from immediate dangers but are also protected in the future,โ says the spokesperson.
How you can help: Thailand flood disasterย
With rescue operations underway and the immediate needs of the animals being met, long-term recovery remains a significant challenge. Elephants and other animals displaced by the floods will need continued care, food, and shelter.
World Animal Protection is accepting donations that will go directly to purchasing emergency food supplies, medical equipment, and rescue tools. Additionally, they are looking for volunteers and partners to assist with the ongoing rescue operations and recovery plans.
You can contribute to this life-saving cause by donating directly through the World Animal Protection website or raising awareness about the crisis on social media platforms. By amplifying the message, you can help draw attention to the urgent needs of the animals affected by this disaster.
โ For more information on how to assist or donate, visit the World Animal Protection website.
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