A wild elephant appears to recognize the man who rescued his life more than ten years ago in a very touching encounter. A 12-year-old elephant that the doctor rehabilitated had a touching but unanticipated reunion. The now-31-year-old elephant, Plai Thang, was very ill back in 2009.
He was in dire straits when a group of volunteers discovered him in the remote region of Rayong, in eastern Thailand. The poor thing was struggling to eat or drink water, let alone to stand on his feet, due to several illnesses like trypanosomiasis, anemia, or stiff legs.
The elephant was transferred to the Forest Industry Organization right away, where Dr. Maneeon cared for him and provided medical attention till he miraculously healed in a few months.
He was subsequently returned to the wild in the same location where the rescue crew had first discovered him. The vet who looked after Plai Thang was looking around earlier this month when he spotted an old buddy.
Thought the elephant might not know him after all these years. The vet waved at him nevertheless. The elephant rushes to express his gratitude once more as he realizes the man waving at him is the same one who helped him 12 years before.
Plai Thang stretches his trunk to touch the hand that saved his life as he gets closer to Dr. Maneeon. An unexpected appearance by the media! The vet further went on to say that when he first saw Plai Thang, he recognized him from the sound he made.
“I remember the sound very clearly. Plai Thang’s noise is very unique,” the vet told to a local news outlet. “Plai Thang was very aggressive when we first met. His body was weak and he could not fight other elephants. It took a long time for him to heal, but we learned that he was very smart and took care of himself. “Recently, we met again,”
Dr. Maneeon added. “We could remember each other and we greeted. It was a very special moment. I hope it encourages everybody to appreciate the work that people do with elephants.”