Chiang Mai opens first elephant hospital to boost survival rates

CHIANG MAI, Sept 28 (TNA) - Chiang Mai has opened its first specialized elephant hospital in Mae Taeng district, aiming to reduce transit times for sick animals and boost survival rates among the domestic elephant population.

For over two decades, handlers in Chiang Mai—home to Thailand's largest captive elephant population—had to transport sick animals to the National Elephant Institute in neighboring Lampang province. The long journeys often proved fatal for critical cases and young calves, which require their mothers and mahouts to travel alongside them. Mae Taeng district alone hosts more than 400 elephants.

The new facility, named the Elephant and Wildlife Health Center, was established by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Chiang Mai University. Construction was funded by a 49 million baht ($1.4 million) donation from conservation advocate Kanchana Silpa-archa to eliminate long-distance transportation risks across upper northern Thailand.

Spanning over 26 rai (10.2 acres), the complex features a critical care unit, recovery pens, feed storage buildings, mahout housing, and staff quarters.

In addition to providing emergency veterinary care, the hospital will serve as a center for research and specialized training for domestic and international elephant veterinarians. -819 (TNA)