Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation released the timeline and images of ailing Thai elephant Sak Surin’s journey home today (Sunday), from the departure from Dehiwala Zoo in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to Bandaranaike International Airport, for his historic flight back to Thailand today.

At about 10pm (Sri Lankan local time) last night, Sak Surin was moved from Dehiwala Zoo, put in a flight cage and lifted onto an articulated lorry by crane.

At about 1.05am on Sunday morning, the lorry set out for the airport and arrived at the cargo terminal at about 3am.

At about 3.25am, veterinarians collected Sak Surin’s droppings and checked his condition, while other officials carried out customs clearance procedures and unloaded lorry.

By 4.50am, the flight cage containing Sak Surin was loaded onto the Russian-made Il-76 transport plane, for the flight to Chiang Mai airport, which is estimated will take between 5 and 6 hours because the plane has to fly at a low speed and altitude. The aircraft is expected to touch down at Chiang Mai Airport at about 2pm (local time).

During the journey, three Thai and one Sri Lankan mahout will be aboard the flight with Sak Surin, to look after him and keep him calm. An emergency plan to administer a sedative has been put in place, in case the elephant becomes excited or panics.

This is the first time that such a heavy animal is being transported by air, according department officials.