A touching sᴄᴇɴᴇ was captured on tape when a wild elephant recognized the veterinarian who treated him 12 years ago. During an unplanned reunion, the 31-year-old elephant Plai Thang extended his trunk to grasp Dr. Pattarapol Maneeon’s hand.
The elephant was discovered in 2009 stumbling through a forest in Rayong, eastern Tʜᴀɪʟᴀɴᴅ. It had trypanosomiasis, a parasite ᴅɪsᴇᴀsᴇ often known as sleeping sɪᴄᴋness, which can be fatal.
The sɪᴄᴋ jumbo was “near to ᴅᴇᴀᴛʜ” and suffering from a fever, ʟᴏss of appetite, and swelling on its face, neck, and stomach when Doctor Pattarapol arrived to cure it. Additionally, Plai Thang had anemia, stiff legs and back, and inflamed eyes.
The team from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation was brought to the Forest Industry Organization’s property in Lampang province to cure the weak animal. After recuperating for several months, he was released.
Doctor Pattarapol claimed to have recognized the unmistakable sound of the elephant he had last heard 12 years ago while on patrol. Plai Thang, who had not had contact with a human for more than ten years, responded to his call by extending his trunk to greet Doctor Pattarapol.
Plai Thang recognized him, according to the vet. Doctor Pattarapol said that he remembered the sound very clearly as Plai Thang’s noise was very unique.
When they initially met, Plai Thang was a really combative elephant. Because of his frail body, he was powerless to combat other elephants. Although his recovery took a while, he was exceptionally intelligent and self-sufficient. Doctor Pattarapol said that they recently reconnected. They recognized and greeted each other. It was a truly memorable occasion.