Earthquake in Myanmar

On 28 March 2025, just after noon, a magnitude 7.7–7.9 earthquake struck the Sagaing Region of Myanmar. The epicenter was close to Mandalay, the country's second-largest city. It was the most powerful earthquake to strike Myanmar since 1912,  and one of the deadliest in Myanmar's modern history. The earthquake caused extensive damage in Myanmar and significant damage in neighboring Thailand. The earthquake directly killed over 5,000 people in Myanmar with an estimated 11,400 people injured and hundreds more have been reported missing. And since then, the area has continued to experience quakes and aftershocks.

Thankfully, we’ve heard from our friends in the region and they are safe! But much remains to be seen about how elephants and their caretakers will be able to fare in the future. Since COVID-19, Myanmar has continued to struggle through civil unrest, flooding, and now earthquakes. We are so grateful for the safety of our partners and appreciative of their continued efforts to help elephants in the region despite so much personal strife!

Donate today to help AES respond when emergency requests arise out of disasters like this one!
 

Myanmar Elephant Workshop

Earlier this year, with support from Asian Elephant Support, the Myanma Timber Enterprise (MTE) hosted a two-day workshop. A total of 52 MTE representatives attended the workshop and gave presentations about their experiences. Their discussions shared information about elephant conservation-based tourism, wild elephant conservation management, preventative methodologies to reduce human-elephant conflicts, captive elephant health care (including EEHV), treatments, health issues, and the population growth of MTE elephants. We are grateful for the efforts of the MTE Veterinarians who care for endangered elephants in Myanmar!

MTE workshop attendees discuss elephant related topics

Training Veterinary Assistants in Myanmar

To address the demand for veterinary assistants specializing in elephant healthcare nation-wide in Myanmar, our field partner the Myanma Timber Enterprise (MTE) conducted a comprehensive training program over several months.

With the support of AES, this training aimed to provide effective elephant healthcare. Throughout the training, the participants gained extensive practical knowledge and field skills from various sectors.

Professors from the University of Veterinary Science, Yezin, Nay Pyi Taw, and senior MTE Veterinarians taught courses about parasitology, microbiology, wildlife health management, and husbandry.

Thanks to this training there are now 19 trainees from 19 different areas across the country who can provide medical care and assist Veterinarians who treat over 1500 elephants in rural remote areas, including conflict zones, in Myanmar.

We are grateful for the efforts of the MTE Veterinarians and trainees who care for endangered elephants in Myanmar.

Myanmar Emergency Elephant Response Units Rescue Snare Victim

Across Asia, illegal snares set to trap animals cause severe injuries, even death, to many species including elephants.

Rescued elephant being escorted to camp

Recently, the Myanmar Emergency Elephant Response Unit (EERU) in Ayeyarwaddy region found a young wild elephant whose front leg was seriously injured after being caught in an illegal snare. The EERU team safely rescued the elephant and brought it to camp for treatment. The elephant is now under the expert care of EERU Veterinarians and staff.

Treatment of the seriously injured leg

We are so grateful for the efforts of the EERU Veterinarians and staff in Myanmar who work tirelessly to provide care for endangered Asian elephants. Thank you to all partners!
With YOUR HELP we can support emergency responses and rescues by contributing to veterinary care and supplemental food for these rescued elephants.