Deluge Poses Threat to Chiang Mai Elephant Park

Emergency crews and volunteers are working tirelessly to rescue animals threatened by devastating floodwaters.

The Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai is facing severe flooding, with rescue teams scrambling to save elephants and other animals as all access routes to the facility have been blocked by torrents and landslides.

On Friday, the park shared an urgent call for assistance, highlighting the critical situation as complete power and communication outages leave them cut off from outside aid.

“We urgently need volunteers and animal cages to help relocate the animals to safer ground, as the roads are entirely impassable in both directions,” the message stated.

Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai reported that 117 out of 126 elephants at the park have been rescued, although nine remain in peril.

“An operation is currently underway to secure the remaining elephants,” he confirmed to reporters.

Meanwhile, one village that previously housed relocated pigs and buffaloes is now entirely submerged, according to conservationist Saengduan Chailert, the founder of the park.

“We are uncertain of the survival rate for the elephants; we are doing everything we can to assist them,” she stated.

Heavy rains caused significant runoff and severe overflow from the Taeng River, leading to what staff described as “the worst flooding ever seen” at the park.

Efforts to move all animals to higher ground began on Thursday as staff and volunteers faced tremendous challenges, with some trapped by landslides preventing access to the park.

As the situation worsened, several animals, including elephants and buffalo, were seen being swept away by the floodwaters. The park has requested anyone who spots them to get in touch with the rescue teams.

A staff member reported that out of 126 elephants, two are confirmed to be in danger from the currents, while others have been successfully relocated to safer areas.

The park is widely recognized for its efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating elephants and serves as a sanctuary for various animals, including birds and pigs.

In an emotional appeal, Saengduan expressed uncertainty about the fate of the elephants as floodwaters reached dangerous levels of up to five metres in certain areas, nearly submerging buildings.

“I don’t know how many elephants can be saved,” she remarked, visibly distressed. “We have lost contact with those in the valley.”

The Natural Resources and Environment Minister has ordered immediate deployment of additional rescue personnel in Chiang Mai to assist in the animal rescue efforts. The Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department has also provided essential boats for operations.