Elephant memory: the moving moment a pachyderm found the vet who saved his life 12 years ago

A wild elephant recognized the vet who treated him 12 years ago in a moving moment captured in footage.

The 31-year-old elephant named Plai Thang extended its trunk to touch Dr Pattarapol Maneeon’s hand in an unexpected meeting, which would also be the first human interaction the animal has had in over a decade.

In 2009, the elephant was found fighting for his life in a forest in Rayong, eastern Thailand.

The animal suffered from life-threatening trypanosomiasis, a parasitic disease also known as sleeping sickness.

Doctor Pattarapol arrived to treat the affected elephant, that he was “near death” and that he had a fever, loss of appetite, and swelling of his face, neck and stomach.

Plai Thang also suffered swollen eyes, stiff legs and back, and anemia.

The fragile animal was brought to the territory of the Lampang Province Forestry Industry Organization to be cared for by staff from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

There he was entrusted to Dr. Pattarapol who cared for him for months until he was cured and later returned to freedom.

Earlier this month Dr Pattarapol was patrolling the area when he said he recognized the distinctive sound of the elephant he encountered 12 years ago.

He motioned to Plai Thang, who reached for his trunk to greet Doctor Pattarapol, contact with a human for the first time since his release.

The vet is sure Plai Thang recognized him.

“I remember the sound very clearly”, Said Dr. Pattarapol. “The sound of Plai Thang is unique.”

“Plai Thang was very aggressive when we first met. His body was weak and he couldn’t 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. “ said the doctor.

“Recently we have met again. We remember and we greet each other. It was a very special moment. Hope this encourages everyone to appreciate the work people do with elephants ”, Said Dr. Pattarapol.

Elephants are the official animal of Thailand and it is estimated that there are between 3,000 and 4,000 animals living in the country.

Of these, at least half are domesticated, while the rest live in nature reserves.

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