A story for the holidays

[reader]

I've been looking for a feel good story for the holidays and this story from a Thai wildlife sanctuary fits the bill. The embedded video speaks volumes.

From Coconuts Bangkok

Photo: National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department

A baby elephant is regaining its strength this morning at a sanctuary in central Thailand days after it was found alone and injured.

Wildlife officials said veterinarians have looked after the female calf they named Thanwa, or December, around the clock since she was transported to the Bungchawak Wildlife Management Development Center with an injured foot. Thanwa was also dehydrated, and her kidneys were failing

Though Tanwa still needs support from caretakers to move, she has been attempting to walk, sit and lie down, clips of which officials posted this morning. They said she has put on some fat, going from 87 kilograms to 90 kilograms now, which is about what an Asian elephant calf should weigh at birth.

Veterinarians said they have been applying coconut oil to the wounds on her body.

Caretakers are feeding Thanwa boiled rice water and milk powder every three hours. She still requires more rest.

In early December, the calf was found injured at the Srinakarin Dam National Park in the western province of Kanchanaburi. At the time, wildlife officials said the 1- to 2-month-old calf had to be transported by helicopter due to concerns about her dehydration and kidney damage.

Initially, they believed Thanwa’s family would come back for her, but there has been no sign of them, so officials employed a team of veterinarians to care for her.

Continues with videos and photos

https://coconuts.co/bangkok/news/lost-baby-thai-elephant-with-bad-foot-recovers-at-sanctuary-video/

 

[reader]

I'm sad to report that the Wildlife Development Center reports that the baby elephant being treated for injuries and kidney failure has died.

Many readers were moved by the account of efforts to save the animal which had been found abandoned and airlifted to the center for treatment.

The around the clock care staff and volunteers provided assured the calf that it was not alone as it struggled for life. To me, that is in keeping with the true message of the holidays. As we all get older, I think we pray that we're not alone and abandoned when our time is accomplished.