The Department of National Parks disclosed the investigation results on the folded-ear Sido elephant's collapse during relocation, confirming that veterinarians used sedatives according to treatment standards, with respiratory failure identified as the cause.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation announced the findings of the fact-finding committee regarding the death of the wild elephant “Sido Folded Ear” during relocation.
On 3 February 2026, the death of the wild elephant “Sido Folded Ear” occurred during its capture and relocation from Phu Wiang National Park, Khon Kaen Province, to be behaviorally adjusted under the Phu Luang Wild Elephant Food Rehabilitation Project, initiated by royal command, in the Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary, Loei Province.
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation appointed a fact-finding committee by secret order no. 24/2569 dated 5 February 2026 and included experts on wild elephant management from the department. External veterinarians from various government, private, and university sectors, recognized nationally and internationally for their expertise in wildlife health and elephant anesthesia, were also appointed. This team reviewed evidence and operational procedures to clarify the situation for the public. The committee has collected 117 document sets and recorded testimonies from 20 relevant witnesses. They now summarize the investigation in three key points.
Point 1: Reasons and necessity for operations under the administrative court's order.
The investigation found that the Khon Kaen Administrative Court issued a temporary relief order (case no. 186/2568) requiring the Department of National Parks to capture and relocate four wild elephants, including “Sido Folded Ear,” from agricultural areas within 30 days, due to the elephants causing property damage and posing a lethal threat to local residents.
The committee found that the department followed all legal procedures, including applying for an extension with the administrative court and requesting the public prosecutor to appeal the order to suspend enforcement until proper evaluation of alternatives. However, according to Section 75/4 of the Administrative Court Act, temporary protection orders take immediate effect, and appealing does not suspend enforcement. Failure to act promptly could be considered neglect of duty, punishable by fines and disciplinary action.
Point 2: Accuracy of procedures and legal regulations.
The committee concluded that the officials’ actions complied with their authority under the Wild Animal Reservation and Protection Act B.E. 2562 (2019), Section 72, and relevant departmental regulations. The operations aimed to resolve issues for both residents and wildlife, not for improper gain. There was a supporting project plan, budget approval, and coordinated collaboration with administrative agencies and expert teams in an organized manner.
Point 3: Technical facts regarding drug use and cause of death. Upon reviewing sedation and relocation procedures, the veterinary team and experts estimated the elephant’s weight at 2.3 to 2.5 tons from a distance (post-mortem confirmed 2.8 tons) and its age at 15 to 20 years, consistent with its physical characteristics.
Besides the ear flap and foot marks, the wild elephant showed signs of musth in September 2025 (a condition observed in male elephants aged 15 and older), aligning with referenced scientific research.
During the 4-hour 36-minute procedure, the sedative Xylazine was administered five times, totaling 27 milliliters (2,700 milligrams), to maintain sedation according to the elephant’s response. The veterinary team confirmed this followed scientific principles and did not exceed normal dosages for wild elephant management, considering operational constraints such as inability to control water and food withholding like in captive animals. The location, a sugarcane and cassava farm, also posed significant risk factors. The detailed autopsy concluded the cause of death as respiratory failure.
The fact-finding committee compiled evidence, testimonies, and lab autopsy results for review by appointed experts in wild elephant management. Summarizing the facts, the committee found that officials followed proper procedures with clear plans for preparation, data assessment, and rehearsals of operational and emergency plans. When the folded-ear Sido elephant experienced food aspiration in crisis, the staff applied appropriate veterinary professional methods to assist and treat the condition. No intentional or negligent misconduct by officials was found. The committee will provide this information to the Department of National Parks to conduct a thorough study aimed at enhancing safety in large wildlife relocations and will report these findings to the administrative court and communicate them to the public.