Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand — A male wild elephant was discovered dead in Kui Buri National Park, with officials concluding that the animal likely died from injuries sustained during a fight with another elephant.
Elephant Carcass Discovered in Kui Buri National Park
Officials from Kui Buri National Park received a report from a wildlife monitoring team on May 18, alerting them to the presence of a deceased elephant in the forest near Moo 7, Ban Ruam Thai, Hat Kham Subdistrict, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province. The elephant’s location was recorded at coordinates UTM 47P 0570274E 1341479N, well within the park’s protected area.
A team led by Mr. Anuchart Artharn, Chief of Kui Buri National Park, and Dr. Anurak Sakulpong, a veterinarian from the Protected Area Regional Office 3 (Phetchaburi branch), responded to the scene. They were joined by local police officers, border patrol units, military personnel, representatives from WWF Thailand, and concerned members of the community.
Initial Examination and Autopsy Findings
The elephant, estimated to be about 10 years old and weighing around 1.5 tonnes, was found in an advanced state of decomposition. Both tusks were intact, and no visible external injuries or bullet wounds were found. Metal detectors confirmed the absence of bullets or metal fragments, ruling out poaching as a cause of death.
During the autopsy, the team discovered a 10 x 10 cm wound on the elephant’s right hip. Further inspection revealed the ilium — a bone in the pelvis — was shattered into two parts. Undigested food was found spilling from the wound, suggesting severe internal trauma.
Due to the height of the wound (approximately 150 cm above ground) and its size, officials believe the injury was inflicted by another elephant’s tusk during a physical altercation. The trauma likely caused fatal internal injuries, leading to the elephant’s death roughly 5–7 days prior to the discovery.
Burial and Conservation Measures
As the internal organs were too decomposed for sample collection, the team proceeded with burial to prevent disease transmission to other wildlife in the area. The elephant’s tusks were removed and securely stored by park authorities.
In accordance with Thai tradition and wildlife conservation protocols, a monk was invited to perform blessing and funeral rites at the site. The incident was formally recorded by the Conservation and Resource Protection Division at Ban Yang Chum Police Station.
Kui Buri National Park is home to a significant population of wild elephants, and intra-species conflict, especially among males, is not uncommon.
Park authorities reaffirmed their commitment to monitoring elephant behavior and health, aiming to mitigate risks and protect Thailand’s iconic wildlife.