Chiang Mai has the largest population of raised elephants in Thailand, from baby to old elephants. The Elephant camps attract both Thai and foreigners to visit and these animals are a part of the communities’ way of life. However, their population has decreased significantly and therefore, promoting their well-being is a priority. The Centre of Elephant and Wildlife Research, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chiang Mai University, considers elephant protection an important mission that will lead to the conservation of other wild species as well.
Once becoming ill or injured from accidents, large animals such as elephants are not easy to be transported into the city for treatment, so sending a veterinary team is a more swift and efficient option in hope to save their lives. Upon receiving the notifications from the communities or camps, the Centre seeks to reach the sites as soon as possible. On top of lifesaving and treatment, research on how to save elephants in critical situations poses a great challenge. The researchers here, in collaboration with elephant hospitals, the National Elephant Institute, the Thai Elephant Alliance Association and elephant camps in Chiang Mai, are the first to discover a way to check for blood and plasma compatibility in elephants. In addition to medical field check-ups and treating sick elephants, such method has been applied in cases of elephants that refused to eat or drink for 20 days, elephants with acute postpartum haemorrhages, and baby elephants with hemorrhagic herpes, for instance.
In clinical teachings on elephants and wild animals, veterinary students have the opportunity to learn, practice and get a first-hand experience during the courses offered, namely Elephants in Thai Culture, Clinical Practice of Elephants and Wild Animals, Animal Behaviour Animal Control and Animal Well-being. The role in helping elephants is not limited to veterinary doctors but extends to caretakers, mahouts and all other responsible parties. The Centre has provided a training programme for mahouts and elephant camp entrepreneurs in Chiang Mai for the development of knowledge, elephant training and care methods, problem prevention and resolution to ensure the well-being of the elephants in the long term.
Recognising the importance of promoting the well-being of these animals, Chiang Mai University is determined to play a role in saving lives and increasing the survival likelihood of elephants, the symbol of the University, in a way that promotes conservation that is beneficial to the elephants, as well as the cultural exchange and local wisdoms of the elephant caretaker communities for their sustainability.