Unable to be saved. "Jiw Saiyok" The lost wild elephant calf peacefully passed away due to acute kidney failure. Veterinary teams are preparing to perform a detailed necropsy to determine the cause.
FacebookDepartment of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant ConservationThe Facebook page of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation posted that "Jiw Saiyok," the lost wild elephant calf under care at Saiyok National Park, peacefully fell at around 2:00 a.m. on 4 Aug 2026 GMT+7, amidst the sorrow of the veterinary team and closely caring staff.
The wild elephant calf "Jiw Saiyok" was reported by villagers after being found near the banks of Huai Mae Nam Noi on 30 July. Officials and locals conducted a boat rescue due to difficult access. The calf was weak and no elephant herd was found nearby; it was believed to have been abandoned for about two days. Staff stayed overnight to observe its behavior and wait for the herd. Throughout the night, the calf intermittently called for its mother but received no response.
On 31 July, veterinary teams from Regional Office 3 (Ban Pong) and its Phetchaburi branch entered the area to assess the calf's situation. Access required a 1–2 hour boat ride to the location. Continuous rainfall increased water levels, raising the risk of flash floods.
The veterinary team’s initial assessment found the calf weak, with abrasions and blisters, multiple mouth ulcers resembling canker sores, severe dehydration, an umbilical wound, blisters on the trunk with dead tissue but no pus or maggots, and eye inflammation caused by flies. Urine was dark yellow with red streaks, possibly from infection or dehydration. The calf had foul-smelling diarrhea and was in poor health. It was moved to Saiyok National Park headquarters for close 24-hour care by veterinarians and park staff.
The night before, veterinarians administered intravenous fluids and continuous oxygen. Throughout care, the calf struggled, feeding normally every 2–3 hours with 350–500 milliliters of milk per feeding. It showed fluctuating weakness and attempts to stand but continued to have diarrhea and dark urine. Around 2:00 a.m., the calf fell asleep and passed away peacefully. The veterinary team performed resuscitation efforts but could not save it.
Preliminary veterinary diagnosis suggests acute kidney failure based on lab blood tests, possibly compounded by congenital internal organ abnormalities. The veterinary team and staff plan to conduct a necropsy and collect samples for laboratory analysis to determine the precise cause.
We send our support to the veterinary and rescue teams who devoted their full effort and heart to caring for "Jiw Saiyok" until the very end.
Thanks to the Facebook page of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.