A tragic accident claimed the life of a two-year-old baby elephant in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, on November 5, 2014. The young elephant was found electrocuted in a fruit orchard in Phacharasuthakhachanurak Village, Khao Khitchakut District, after reportedly pulling down electric wires with its trunk. Local authorities, including the Khao Khitchakut Police Station and Khao Khitchakut National Park officers, responded to the scene following reports of the incident.
Authorities discovered the elephant, estimated to weigh around 1 ton, lying on its side with several damaged electric wires around its neck. Investigators believe the curious elephant may have become separated from its herd and wandered into the orchard, where it inadvertently toppled wooden and concrete electrical poles. Evidence at the site, such as abundant elephant feces, suggests the elephant may have been playing with the wires, possibly wrapping them in its trunk and even attempting to chew on them. This likely led to a break in the insulation, resulting in an electric shock that proved fatal.
Mr. Samran Chamnanphon, head of the Khlong Phlu elephant pushback team, reported that he and his team had last seen the herd of elephants nearby the previous evening but had retreated due to heavy rain. By morning, the baby elephant was found lifeless in the orchard, prompting authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.
Forensic officers documented the scene before moving the elephant’s remains to Khao Khitchakut National Park, where a traditional burial ceremony will be held to honor the animal’s life.
