The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has filed a complaint with police asking authorities to hunt the person behind the death of a wild elephant in Chon Buri.
Dusit Netmanee, the chief of Khao Yai National Park, lodged the complaint at Bo Thong police station in Bo Thong district Monday, after the 30-year-old male jumbo weighing 4 tonnes was electrocuted at a pineapple orchard on Sunday. The department posted a Facebook message with a video clip of the animal when it was still alive.
Authorities found burns on the animal's trunk, and reached a preliminary conclusion that it was electrocuted. Its organs have been kept for an autopsy. The animal was found dead close to Khao Ang Rue Nai wildlife sanctuary, which is under the responsibility of the unit led by Mr Dusit.
Conservation director Phadet Loithong said the elephant was electrocuted with 220v electricity and as the jumbo was in a pond, the electricity was amplified. Residents said the elephant was named "short tail and one tusk" because of its physical features. It had been seen roaming near villages in Chon Buri and Rayong provinces before it died.
On March 25, an 8-year-old elephant was electrocuted at the same pineapple orchard whose caretaker Samin Chansamut was charged with hunting and possessing carcasses of protected animals, which is subject to a penalty of up to four years jail and/or a 40,000 baht fine. Investigators will find out if someone re-charged the pond after the wires were removed following the first offence.
The land owner, Suwat Sirisart, told authorities he let his friend Niyom Thiangtham borrow the land to grow pineapple and he did not mention anything about using electricity to protect the orchard. Meanwhile, Mr Samin refused to meet the officers Monday.
According to the National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department, there are 3,500-4,000 wild elephants roaming the forests and the number is expected to increase due to conservation efforts. Some people see this success as worrying.
While the pachyderm population in protected areas increases, some sanctuaries have limited resources. Elephants are forced to venture into surrounding villages and croplands in search of food.
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