In a heartwarming encounter, a wild elephant named Plai Thang recognized the veterinarian who had treated him 12 years prior. The 31-year-old bull extended his trunk towards Dr. Pattarapol Maneeon’s hand, creating a touching moment captured on video.
In 2009, Plai Thang was discovered in Rayong, eastern Thailand, struggling to survive in the wild.
Suffering from the life-threatening parasitic infection known as trypanosomiasis or sleeping sickness, he displayed symptoms such as fever, loss of appetite, swelling, inflamed eyes, stiff limbs, and anemia.
Dr. Pattarapol intervened to treat the severely ill elephant that was close to death. Plai Thang was taken to the Forest Industry Organisation’s territory in Lampang province, where staff from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation provided care. Several months later, he was released back into the wild after recovering.
During a recent patrol in the area, Dr. Pattarapol recognized Plai Thang’s unique sound and called out to him.
In response, the elephant extended his trunk to greet the veterinarian, marking the first human contact in over a decade for Plai Thang. Dr. Pattarapol firmly believes that the elephant remembered him.
Reflecting on the emotional reunion, Dr. Pattarapol said, “We could remember each other, and we greeted.
It was an extraordinary moment.” He also hoped that this story would inspire appreciation for the work done with elephants.
Elephants hold the distinction of being Thailand’s official animal. An estimated 3,000-4,000 elephants reside in the country, with around half living in captivity and the rest in nature reserves.
Read more Elephant News.