In a heart-wrenching saga that unfolded over 101 days and nights, rescuers in Thailand battled to save a fifty-year-old elephant named Khun Pan, whose condition had reached a critical point after being neglected in a tourist camp closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Khun Pan had served as a majestic attraction at Chang Siam Park in Chonburi, eastern Thailand, providing rides to tourists until the pandemic hit the industry, forcing the camp to shut down. With the abrupt loss of income, the owner, Lee Petchkla, found it increasingly challenging to provide for the elephants under his care.
The once robust and lively Khun Pan was discovered in a dire state—emaciated, covered in ulcers, and with bones protruding through his skin. Locals, shocked by the heartbreaking sight, immediately alerted veterinarians, who rushed to the scene on that fateful Saturday.
Upon arrival, medics from a nearby animal hospital found Khun Pan too weak to stand on his own, just days away from death. In a race against time, they hoisted the elephant up using leather straps attached to a tree, providing the support he desperately needed. An IV drip with saline solution was administered to rehydrate the weakened jumbo.
The images of Khun Pan, with his body covered in sores and cuts, served as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of the pandemic on the tourism industry and the subsequent neglect faced by captive elephants.
Khun Pan’s owner, Lee Petchkla, expressed the harsh reality, blaming the lack of tourists for the elephant’s deplorable condition. The closure of the camp, coupled with the inability to afford proper nutrition, led to a rapid deterioration in Khun Pan’s health.
With 37 elephants at the camp, all struggling due to the absence of tourists, Lee faced a heartbreaking dilemma. The pandemic had robbed him of his income, leaving him unable to feed and care for the magnificent creatures under his charge.
Vets and compassionate locals stepped in, offering bananas, pineapples, and sugarcane to the starving elephant. Despite concerns for his health, Khun Pan was allowed to stay at the park, receiving ongoing care for his sores and cuts.
Animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) called for immediate action, urging the relocation of elephants from camps to reputable sanctuaries like BLES to prevent further suffering.
As the dramatic rescue of Khun Pan unfolded over 101 days and nights, it shed light on the struggles faced by captive elephants in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable solutions and compassionate care for these majestic beings.