The injured elephant in Kui Buri National Park, Prachuab Khiri Khan province, which was treated by park veterinarians and officials a few days ago, was found dead on Thursday from a serious infection in a hind leg caused by bullet wounds, the park chief, Anuchart Artharn disclosed on Friday.
He said veterinarians used a scanner to check the elephant’s body and detected metal, thought to be bullets, buried in its trunk, at the base of its tusks and in the left hind leg, adding that the leg was swollen and full of purulent exudate (pus), resulting in joint dislocation.
The kidneys were also found to be abnormal, suggesting a serious infection, he said, adding that the veterinarians concluded that the elephant died of complications from the infection.
The officials buried the carcass to prevent the spread of diseases to the other animals and lodged a complaint with Ao Noi police, asking them to track down the poachers who shot the elephant.
