Audio By Carbonatix
Six elephants have fallen to their deaths in Thailand while trying to save each other from a notorious waterfall.
Officials said the incident occurred after a baby elephant slipped over the waterfall in central Thailand's Khao Yai National Park.
Two other elephants were also found struggling on a cliff edge nearby, and have been moved by Thai authorities.
The waterfall, known as Haew Narok (Hell's Fall), has a history of similar incidents.
A herd of eight elephants died after falling in 1992, in a case that brought national attention.
Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) said officials were called to the scene on Saturday at 03:00 local time (20:00 GMT on Friday) when a group of elephants was blocking a road by the waterfall.
Thai authorities shared an image of one survivor attempting to revive its companion
Three hours later, the body of a three-year-old elephant was spotted near the base of Haew Narok, and five others were discovered nearby.
Khanchit Srinoppawan, chief of the national park, told the BBC that the two remaining elephants were being monitored.
Edwin Wiek, the founder of Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, said the pair may have difficulty surviving as elephants rely on their large herds for protection and finding food.
The incident could also take an emotional toll. Elephants have been known to display signs of grief.
Thai authorities moved the herd's two surviving elephants with the help of ropes
"It's like losing half your family," Mr Wiek told the BBC.
"There's nothing you can do, it's nature unfortunately," he said.
Around 7,000 Asian elephants remain in Thailand, with more than half living in captivity.
Thai authorities shared an image of one survivor attempting to revive its companion
Three hours later, the body of a three-year-old elephant was spotted near the base of Haew Narok, and five others were discovered nearby.
Khanchit Srinoppawan, chief of the national park, told the BBC that the two remaining elephants were being monitored.
Edwin Wiek, the founder of Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, said the pair may have difficulty surviving as elephants rely on their large herds for protection and finding food.
The incident could also take an emotional toll. Elephants have been known to display signs of grief.
Thai authorities moved the herd's two surviving elephants with the help of ropes
"It's like losing half your family," Mr Wiek told the BBC.
"There's nothing you can do, it's nature unfortunately," he said.
Around 7,000 Asian elephants remain in Thailand, with more than half living in captivity.DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
Five-year-old boy dies after getting caught in ski travelator
2 hours -
‘This is an abuse of trust’- PUWU-TUC slams gov’t over ECG privatisation plans
2 hours -
Children should be protected from home fires – GNFSÂ
2 hours -
Volta Regional Minister urges unity, respect for Chief Imam’s ruling after Ho central mosque shooting
2 hours -
$214M in gold-for-reserves programme not a loss, Parliament’s economy chair insists it’s a transactional cost
2 hours -
Elegant homes estate unveils ultra-modern sports complex in Katamanso
3 hours -
ECG can be salvaged without private investors -TUC Deputy Secretary-General
3 hours -
Two pilots killed after mid-air helicopter collision in New Jersey
3 hours -
2025 in Review: Fire, power and the weight of return (January – March)
3 hours -
Washington DC NPP chairman signals bid for USA chairmanship
3 hours -
Sheikh Ali Muniru remains Volta regional Imam, says National chief Imam
4 hours -
GoldBod CEO accuses Minority of hypocrisy over Gold-for-Reserves losses
4 hours -
Sammy Gyamfi to address alleged losses under gold for reserves programme on Jan 5
4 hours -
BoG–GoldBod $214m hit is design failure, not market loss – Minority
4 hours -
Festive season sees minor fires, but domestic cases hit 15–20 daily – GNFS
4 hours
