Six elephants died while trying to save each other at a notorious waterfall in Thailand, authorities said Saturday,
According to officials, the tragedy happened after a baby elephant slipped over the waterfall in central Thailand’s Khao Yai National Park. Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation said officials were called to the scene on Saturday. After three hours, the body of a three-year-old elephant was located near the base of Haew Narok. Five others were also discovered nearby.
Two other elephants were additionally found struggling on a nearby cliff edge. They have been moved by Thai authorities and are being monitored.
Edwin Wiek, the founder of Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, believes the pair may face trouble surviving because elephants rely on their large herds for protection and locating food. He added that the incident could affect the animals emotionally, as elephants are known to show signs of grief.
Six wild elephants found dead at “Haew Narok Waterfall” in Thailand, at the same place where it happened as well in 1992. pic.twitter.com/naXD9ubttP
— Edwin Wiek (@EdwinWiek) October 5, 2019
“It’s like losing half your family,” Wiek told the BBC. “There’s nothing you can do; it’s nature unfortunately.”
The waterfall, the name of which translates to “Hell’s Fall,” has a history of similar occurrences, including when a herd of eight elephants died after falling back in 1992.
