Urgent Rescue Mission: 100 Elephants Evacuated Amid Catastrophic Flooding in Chiang Mai

In a harrowing turn of events, the majestic residents of a popular elephant sanctuary in northern Thailand faced life-threatening flash floods, prompting the urgent evacuation of approximately 100 elephants on Thursday. The devastating waters not only swept through the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai but also trapped dozens of tourists, sparking frantic calls for assistance.

Dramatic footage captured the chaotic scene as elephants navigated the increasingly treacherous conditions, wading through water that reached up to their bellies as they sought refuge on higher ground. The founder of the sanctuary, Saengduean “Lek” Chailert, described it as the largest evacuation ever undertaken at the park, stating, “The water rose rapidly, forcing us to act swiftly.”

Despite the successful relocation of many elephants to a mountain nearby, the peril remained evident the following morning, as Chailert revealed that 13 adult elephants were still confined to their quarters, unable to escape rising waters and in a state of panic. "We’re currently facing a race against time to save those still trapped," she warned.

The cause of the flooding has been linked to torrential rains due to Typhoon Yagi, which has wreaked havoc across northern Thailand, resulting in severe flooding and landslides in recent weeks. This disaster follows a string of meteorological disasters in the region, which have unfortunately resulted in loss of life as well.

With the flooding around the sanctuary continuing to escalate, authorities have issued alerts for possible prolonged flooding, particularly along the Ping River that flows through the city. Chailert expressed growing concerns, fearing they might need to evacuate the animals a second time, if the situation deteriorates further.

“To ensure the elephants stay calm during this distressing time, we urgently need boats,” she stated, urging the Thai government for immediate support. The park reported a dire need for volunteers and animal cages to facilitate the transportation of some animals to safer grounds, as road access has been completely cut off.

Amidst the chaos, about 30 international volunteers, including five Americans, remained trapped at the sanctuary, many of whom had committed weeks to aiding the elephants at the park.

Established in the 1990s, the Elephant Nature Park is a renowned rescue and rehabilitation center that has effectively saved over 200 elephants from abusive environments, including the tourism and logging industries. This haven is also home to around 5,000 rescued animals, including dogs, cats, horses, pigs, and rabbits, all of which have been affected by the recent floods.

Chailert revealed the added challenge of caring for numerous injured and elderly elephants, some of which struggle to walk. "It has taken us considerable effort to help them reach safe ground," she acknowledged, emphasizing the need for outside assistance.

In response to the crisis, Atthapol Charoenchansa, head of Thailand’s Department of National Parks, noted the dispatch of numerous officers to assist; however, they were unable to access the sanctuary due to blocked roadways. He echoed the calls for flat-bottomed boats and volunteers to expedite the ongoing rescue operations.

The increasing floodwaters have severely impacted local communities, particularly in the Mae Rim district of Chiang Mai, where several villages have experienced inundation from upstream runoff.

With Thailand's wild elephant population already in decline—estimated at only 3,000 to 4,000 compared to over 100,000 a century ago—the events at Elephant Nature Park highlight an urgent need for collective action to protect these iconic creatures, which continue to face threats from habitat destruction, tourism, and poaching.

As rescue efforts continue, the fate of both the elephants and the dedicated team at the sanctuary hangs in the balance, making this a pivotal moment for wildlife conservation in Thailand.