Dozens of elephants and other animals were swept away in a popular animal sanctuary in Thailand amidst devastating floods caused by Typhoon Yagi. The Elephant National Park in Chiang Mai issued an urgent plea for assistance as roads leading to parts of the sanctuary were completely flooded, making it difficult to reach the stranded animals. Tourists and animal handlers also found themselves trapped as water levels rose within the park.
Dramatic images and videos from the sanctuary portrayed scenes of panic as elephants waded through floodwaters up to their bellies while volunteers worked hastily to move them to safety. Other footage showed dogs perched on tables and higher grounds within flooded shelters, barking for help, along with dozens of cats rescued in a cage.
The park’s officials took to Facebook to raise awareness, stating, “Now the elephant, the cow, the buffalo have swept away along the water through the tunnel,” highlighting the urgency of the situation. Saengduean Chailert, the director of the Elephant Nature Park, shared a heart-wrenching video appealing for immediate government support as floodwaters continued to rise, leaving the area completely submerged.
Severe flooding and landslides triggered by Typhoon Yagi have wreaked havoc in northern Thailand in recent weeks, leading to extensive damage and loss of life. The Elephant National Park, home to over 120 elephants along with other animals, scrambled to evacuate the creatures to higher ground, seeking additional volunteers and resources like cages, boats, and waterproof tarps to aid in the rescue efforts.
According to Ms. Chailert, around 30 foreign volunteers, including five from America, were trapped alongside approximately 100 elephants at the sanctuary. The call for help persisted as the sanctuary grappled with blocked roads and escalating floodwaters, necessitating a large-scale evacuation to ensure the safety of the animals.
The mountainous city of Chiang Mai remains on high alert for potential flooding as the aftermath of Typhoon Yagi continues to unfold. The park authorities stressed the critical need for assistance and resources to navigate the ongoing crisis, with roads rendered impassable due to landslides and rising water levels. The Independent has sought additional information from the Elephant Nature Park to shed light on the evolving situation.