Bangkok: In a groundbreaking operation in Thailand, officials from the National Park Department and a team of veterinarians successfully navigated through a herd of 60 wild elephants to rescue two baby elephants trapped in a snare. This mission marked the first successful case in the country, where the team managed to treat the injured calves in a single attempt.
According to Thai News Agency, the operation began with the strategic use of food to lure the baby elephants away from the herd. The team then utilized tranquilizers to safely immobilize the calves, allowing the surveillance team to keep the rest of the herd at a distance. This provided the veterinarians the necessary space to treat the injuries and remove the snares.
The first calf was discovered with a snare around the tip of its trunk, while the second had a snare midway, causing a tear on the right side. Fortunately, the wounds had not become infected and were already beginning to scab over. The veterinarians promptly cleaned the injuries and a
dministered antibiotics and antidepressants before retreating. Although the treated baby elephants are expected to live normal lives, there are concerns about their ability to use their trunks for grasping, necessitating ongoing monitoring of their condition.