Rethinking Elephant Relocation: A Veterinary Specialist’s Lessons for Thailand 

The death of Si Do Hu Phap, a beloved wild elephant from Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary, left many Thais heartbroken and raised difficult questions about elephant relocation efforts in Thailand. As debate grows, a Chulalongkorn University specialist is offering insight into the science and risks behind elephant translocation, emphasizing that successful operations depend not only on moving the animal safely but also on managing stress, physical condition, and the delicate balance between humans and wildlife. 

What went wrong in the relocation of this wild elephant? Why did an effort intended to ensure animal welfare instead pose life-threatening risks and ultimately lead to the death of Si Do Hu Phap? 

Simply having manpower and equipment is not enough. Dr. Alongkorn Mahannop, a veterinarian and alumnus of the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Chulalongkorn University and a long-standing advisor and specialist in elephant care for over 50 years, stated that “elephant translocation” requires knowledge, an understanding of the animal’s natural behavior and environmental context, the experience of those involved, and careful, systematic preparation. In this regard, Dr. Alongkorn shares his expertise on proper elephant healthcare and safe translocation practices, with the aim of preventing tragedies like the one that occurred with Si Do Hu Phap from happening again. 

Dr. Alongkorn explained that administering sedatives to elephants is a process that must carefully take into consideration the respiratory and digestive systems of these large animals. Elephants weigh several tons, and when sedated, muscles throughout the body relax, including those involved in swallowing and gastrointestinal control. If food remains in the stomach or esophagus, there is a risk of regurgitation and aspiration into the respiratory tract, particularly when the elephant is lying down or positioned improperly.  

“Administering sedation is not simply a matter of giving an injection; it requires assessing the animal’s physical condition, considering feeding times, and ensuring proper positioning throughout the entire process.”  

In the case of domesticated elephants, sedatives are often used in emergency situations, particularly when an elephant is in musth or displaying aggressive behavior, which may be triggered by factors including extreme heat, stress, or even delayed feeding. Dr. Alongkorn explained that when an elephant exhibits severe aggression, the situation must be brought under control as quickly as possible, since elephants are massive animals capable of causing serious harm to nearby people and communities. Decisions, therefore, need to be made swiftly while still relying on careful assessment. 

In general, elephants that become aggressive are not usually in a fasting state. They typically have been eating and drinking normally beforehand. When sedation becomes necessary, the veterinary team will closely monitor the animal’s condition. If there are concerns about vomiting, antiemetic medication may also be administered. However, based on past experience, elephants rarely vomit or regurgitate food in the same way as some other animals. 

Regarding the issue of “food aspiration” during the transport of large animals, if preparations are carried out properly, once the elephant has been immobilized with anesthesia or sedatives, the team will inject medication subcutaneously around the axilla or the base of the foreleg near the neck. This allows the drug to enter the bloodstream and specifically help suppress vomiting while the animal is unconscious. “The greatest concern is not only food remaining in the stomach but also saliva that may flow back into the respiratory tract. If it enters the lungs, it can cause aspiration pneumonia, a dangerous and potentially fatal condition. However, based on field experience, such complications have not happened frequently,” explained Dr. Alongkorn.  

Dr. Alongkorn explained that the use of sedatives in elephants affects the animals’ safety and must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, based on each elephant. Safety does not depend solely on the medication itself but on multiple factors, including the elephant’s age and physical condition, stress level prior to capture, the environment during the operation, and the experience of the veterinary team. Each elephant responds differently to sedatives: some react quickly, others more slowly, and some are particularly sensitive to the drugs. Therefore, accurately calculating the dosage and closely monitoring vital signs are absolutely essential. 

An important point of observation is the elephant’s movement and behavior. For example, an elephant’s ears play a crucial role in regulating body temperature. If the ears continue to move regularly, without drooping or hanging abnormally, and the elephant does not appear unusually lethargic or drowsy, these are considered positive signs. The same applies to tail movement; if the tail continues to swing naturally and rhythmically, it indicates that the nervous and muscular systems are still functioning normally. 

In terms of vital signs, an elephant’s normal respiratory rate is generally around 4–10 breaths per minute, while its heart rate or pulse is approximately 25–30 beats per minute. In domesticated elephants, the pulse can usually be felt quite clearly behind the ears. Examining wild elephants is far more difficult, requiring extreme caution and expertise, particularly before sedation. 

An elephant’s normal body temperature is around 37 degrees Celsius, similar to that of humans. A preliminary assessment can be made by placing a hand on the side of the neck, an area that dissipates heat effectively. If the area feels unusually hot, it may indicate fever or an internal abnormality. 

After sedatives are administered, veterinarians must approach the elephant closely to monitor its temperature, breathing, and pulse, ensuring its vital signs remain normal. 

Stress is a key factor affecting the safety of both elephants and veterinary personnel. Wild elephants exposed to large crowds, pursuit, or sudden environmental changes often experience elevated stress levels, which can impact the cardiovascular, circulatory, and respiratory systems. If sedatives are administered while the animal remains highly stressed or fearful, the risk of complications such as cardiac arrhythmia or respiratory problems may increase. 

Drawing on his field experience, Dr. Alongkorn explained that elephants have excellent memories and are highly sensitive to their surroundings. If the environment becomes chaotic, noisy, or crowded with people, the elephants’ panic and stress levels rise immediately, making the situation far more difficult to control. 

“Before any operation, the elephant must first be calmed and its stress reduced as much as possible. A stressed elephant increases the risks for both the animal and the veterinary team. Proper capture or relocation planning, therefore, involves not only equipment and personnel but also careful environmental management and minimizing disturbances to ensure the elephant is in the safest possible condition before any procedure begins,” Dr. Alongkorn said. 

Transporting elephants over long distances involves far more than simply moving them from one place to another. The process requires careful planning, beginning with health examinations and evaluations of the elephant’s physical condition and stress levels, along with decisions regarding sedative use, transport routes, and travel duration to ensure the animal’s safety throughout the journey. 

Dr. Alongkorn explained that handling emergencies during elephant transport is far more difficult than with smaller animals due to the animal’s immense size and weight. For this reason, life-support equipment must be prepared in advance, while veterinary teams closely monitor the elephant’s condition throughout the journey. 

“If something goes wrong in the middle of the journey, resolving the situation is not easy. That is why everything must be carefully prepared before departure.” 

In the future, real-time vital sign monitoring may help veterinary teams detect problems more quickly and reduce risks during elephant relocation. However, veterinarians are also increasingly emphasizing low-stress capture methods that do not rely entirely on heavy sedation. 

One commonly used approach involves a controlled enclosure designed to help wild elephants gradually become familiar with the space rather than forcing them into confinement immediately. Food is used to slowly encourage the elephant to enter the enclosure voluntarily, while domesticated elephants are sometimes brought in as calming “companions” to help build trust. 

Dr. Alongkorn recalled that this approach was successfully used during a capture operation in Trat Province. Sedatives and tranquilizers were carefully administered at controlled levels to minimize stress on the elephant’s cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Afterwards, several domesticated elephants — mostly females — accompanied the wild elephant and helped guide it safely onto the transport truck. 

Another important factor is the people involved in the operation. Elephants have an excellent sense of smell and are able to recognize familiar individuals. When caretakers or personnel the elephant already knows are present, the animal is often calmer and more cooperative. 

Once the elephant has entered the enclosure and settled down, veterinarians may administer mild sedatives if needed. In cases where general anesthesia is required, the dosage is carefully controlled so the elephant can still remain standing naturally before being lifted by crane onto the transport truck for relocation. 

“There is no single method that works best in every situation,” Dr. Alongkorn said. “Each operation depends on the specific circumstances and the temperament of the individual elephant, so the approach must be adjusted accordingly.” 

Dr. Alongkorn explained that the relocation of domesticated elephants generally causes few serious complications. However, transporting wild elephants—particularly when anesthesia is required—carries much higher risks and demands extensive veterinary experience. 

One of the most dangerous complications occurs when an anesthetized elephant collapses into an improper position, especially face-down. Unlike most mammals, an elephant’s lungs are attached closely to the chest wall, meaning breathing depends heavily on the movement of the rib cage. If the animal lies with its chest pressed against the ground, lung expansion becomes severely restricted, increasing the risk of respiratory failure and shock. For this reason, elephants are positioned on their side whenever possible, particularly the left side. 

Transport conditions must also be carefully controlled. Truck floors are typically covered with dry grass or soil to reduce slipping, while wooden partitions help limit movement during the journey. The vehicle must travel at a controlled speed, with veterinary teams continuously monitoring the elephant’s condition. If the elephant begins lowering its body or shows signs of distress, reversal drugs may need to be administered immediately through a vein behind the ear. 

Dr. Alongkorn noted that around 1975 the country had approximately 800 domesticated elephants and about 800–1,000 wild elephants. At that time, mortality rates were high, and wild elephant numbers continued to decline due to hunting and forest encroachment. Following the serious enforcement of wildlife protection laws, together with the proactive work of veterinarians and field officers, the situation gradually improved. Today, the wild elephant population is estimated at around 3,000–4,000 individuals, while the number of domesticated elephants exceeds 4,500. 

One successful example is the Kui Buri area in Prachuap Khiri Khan, which once had only 33 wild elephants before developing into a rich forest ecosystem with the elephant population increasing to around 300. This progress resulted from area management strategies and community participation under the royal initiative of King Rama IX. Today, the area has become a conservation tourism destination and has significantly reduced human–elephant conflict. 

Areas with particularly large wild elephant populations include Khao Yai National Park and the forest complex spanning five provinces—Chachoengsao, Sa Kaeo, Prachin Buri, and nearby areas—some of which are home to several hundred elephants. Dr. Alongkorn suggested that tourist activities in these areas should be carefully managed, since the forest is the natural home of wildlife. Appropriate and balanced use of these areas would help wild animals continue living peacefully in their natural environment. 

If people encounter wild elephants near a community, they should avoid direct confrontation and immediately notify local national park officials. They should not approach or attempt to drive the elephants away themselves, as the animals may perceive this as a threat and respond aggressively. Today, many areas have trained volunteers and specialized elephant response teams that are better equipped to manage such situations safely than the general public.

The most important factor is not only academic knowledge but also understanding the “context of the area” and the nature of elephants in each forest landscape. Different locations, such as Khao Yai National Park, Phu Luang, and other forest areas, vary in terrain, animal behavior, and the elephants’ familiarity with humans. Veterinarians working with wildlife should therefore spend time in the field, work closely with park officials, and seriously study the behavior of elephants in each specific area.  

Dr. Alongkorn emphasized that elephants naturally perceive humans as threats and may respond with intense defensive behavior when confronted. For this reason, building familiarity and trust is essential. Elephants have excellent memories, particularly for scents and sounds. If veterinarians continue working consistently in the same area, the animals gradually become more familiar with and accepting of them, making examinations, treatment, and the administration of medication safer for both the elephants and the personnel involved. 

Field operations should be guided by experienced park officers with at least five years of field experience, and it may take two to three years of training before a veterinarian is ready to administer tranquilizer darts independently. Each type of drug has its own advantages and limitations, so veterinarians must understand the effects of the medication, the surrounding environment, and the appropriate number of personnel required for each operation. For example, some drugs require the area to remain quiet and the number of people present to be limited, while others may produce side effects such as excessive salivation or post-sedation hallucinations. Therefore, close monitoring is essential, and reversal agents must always be prepared in advance. 

In conclusion, Dr. Alongkorn emphasized that caring for and relocating elephants requires patience and a deep understanding of the animals’ natural behavior. When veterinarians are able to interpret behavioral signals, such as posture, the position of the ears and tail, or signs of relaxation, they can approach and treat elephants more safely, reducing risks to both the animals and the personnel involved. 

For those interested in learning about wild elephants, Khao Yai National Park provides a valuable introduction through its exhibitions, learning resources, and field-based information on elephant behavior, biology, and conservation. Visitors entering the park to observe wild elephants are required to strictly follow park regulations, particularly the ban on camera flashes, flashlights, and high-beam headlights. Sudden bright lights can startle elephants and potentially trigger aggressive behavior, creating dangerous situations for both people and animals. 

Wild elephants in Khao Yai National Park can weigh up to three or four tons, meaning any unexpected encounter can quickly become life-threatening. For this reason, hiking and wildlife observation activities should always be carried out under the guidance of park officials to ensure the safety of both visitors and wildlife.