The wounded male elephant who had us all worried earlier this week arrived safely at the Thai Elephant Conservation Center in Lampang province this morning, two days after he was found stuck in a Phitsanulok canal and rescued by officials.
It has been a long journey for “Chompoo,” who was named after the canal he was found. As Chompoo’s hind legs didn’t work — something painfully apparent as we watched the poor guy struggle on his side — officials took more than six hours on Wednesday afternoon just to help him walk 500 meters to a truck that would transfer him to the elephant hospital for treatment and rehabilitation.
Chompoo was secured with a rope, and officials used two backhoes to slowly and carefully reinforce his walk, PPTV reported.
Leaving last night, Chompoo arrived at the center in Lampang early this morning. He was accompanied by veterinarians along the way and was said to be calm during the 10-hour ride.
Veterinarians are most concerned about his hind legs, as they are uncertain what caused the elephant’s injuries.
Chompoo, who was first spotted by locals Tuesday afternoon, was stranded in the canal for more than 24 hours before officials and locals were able to help him onto dry land.
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