Chompoo, the wounded elephant who was swept into a canal in rural Thailand and had us all on the edge of our seats during the two-day rescue effort last week, died at the world-famous elephant hospital on Saturday night, following the dramatic rescue.
The Thai Elephant Conservation Center, in Lampang province, held a buddhist funeral for Chompoo yesterday morning, amid the sadness of the veterinarians and staff members who had been caring for the pachyderm.
The wild male elephant, estimated to be 15-20 years old, was found stuck in Phitsanulok’s Chompoo canal on Oct. 17. Since his hind legs did not work, it took over 24 hours for officials to safely help him onto the shore.
Hopes were raised after a team of veterinarians were able to transport him to the elephant hospital on Friday and named him “Chompoo” after the canal he was found in. But after a good fight, Chompoo died on Saturday morning.
It was assumed that Chompoo died of kidney failure, likely brought on by extreme stress, according to the Nikorn Thongthip, from the veterinary science faculty of Chiang Mai University, Bangkok Post reported.
“The veterinarian team has done their best to save this wild elephant,” he said in a media briefing.
An autopsy to determine his cause of death will be conducted at by the National Elephant Institute, and Kasetsart and Chiang Mai Universities. The results are expected in two weeks.
Chompoo will be a case study for the future treatment and rehabilitation of wild elephants.
Related:
Injured elephant rescued from canal arrives at government center
Experts rescue wild elephant swept into large canal in rural Thailand (VIDEO)
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