n early October, heavy rains caused significant water flow from remote areas into the Mae Tang River, leading to a sharp rise in the river’s water level. Many elephant camps, located near the river, experienced flooding. Most camps were prepared and had moved elephants from high-risk areas to higher ground for safety. October 4 marked the peak of the flooding, when access to Mae Tang was cut off, and only boats could navigate through. Fortunately, the water level began to recede the next day, allowing cars to pass, though the routes remained challenging due to mud.
Numerous organizations, including the Department of Livestock Development (DLD), the Thai Elephant Conservation Center (TECC), the Department of National Parks (DNP), and various government and private sectors, provided assistance to the affected elephant camps. The Chiang Mai University (CMU) vet team collaborated with DLD, DNP, and TECC veterinarians to conduct a population count in a large camp where elephants had been dispersed due to the flooding. They also advised on essential plans for proper management and care for the elephants during the flooding event.
During the post-disaster recovery period, the CMU vet team and the TECC veterinary team provided targeted veterinary services for elephants in Mae Tang. The visit aimed to monitor elephant health, collect samples for testing flooding-related diseases (such as leptospirosis and parasitic infections), and administer deworming medication. From their field visits, the team observed that each camp was undergoing reconstruction. Most elephants were safe and food supplies were largely unaffected, thanks to the support from various organizations and individuals who provided elephant food and supplements.
Help AES continue to support the CMU vet team to assist with natural disasters, just like the recent flooding, by donating today at www.asianelephantsupport.org/donate
