32 wild elephants spotted at Pa La-U reservoir in Kaeng Krachan
Wild elephants were spotted gathering at the Pa La-U reservoir in Kaeng Krachan National Park on 31 March, with officials counting at least 32 animals at the water’s edge and in the surrounding area.
Mr Mongkol Chaipakdee, head of Kaeng Krachan National Park, released images of the sighting after receiving reports from park officials Mr Nawin Julakarat and Mr Chalong Thongsong. Members of the park’s first wildlife monitoring and elephant control team also captured photographs and video of the herd.
The elephants were seen in the early evening as the light began to fade. Officials said some were drinking from the reservoir, while others were feeding on aquatic plants and grass nearby. More elephants were also seen moving deeper inside the forest, meaning the full size of the herd could not be confirmed.
The sighting took place against a backdrop of dense forest and natural water sources within the park. Officials said the presence of elephants at the reservoir at that time of day was part of their normal behaviour, as they rely on such areas for drinking, feeding and cooling down.
Pa La-U sighting reflects healthy forest conditions
Park officials said the large number of wild elephants seen at one location was a positive sign for the condition of the forest ecosystem. They said Kaeng Krachan, one of Thailand’s most biologically diverse forest areas, continues to provide the food, water and habitat needed to support large wildlife populations.
Officials added that the sighting also reflected the importance of continued conservation work in protected areas, helping to ensure that wild elephants and other species can continue to live safely in their natural environment.
