Nakhon Ratchasima, The head of Khao Yai National Park asks for cooperation from tourists not to chase and take pictures of wild elephants at close range as this puts pressure on the elephants. By this weekend The situation is better than last Saturday-Sunday. Remind officials to strictly control Tourists must stay more than 50 meters away from elephants. At the same time, tourists listen more to the advice of officials. Dr. Lot emphasizes the need to chase elephants. May cause stress to elephants until they turned to attacking tourists Including attacking officers who were providing protection nearby.
Mr. Chaiya Huai Hongthong, head of Khao Yai National Park, went to Khao Yai and said that during this 3-day long holiday, there were a lot of tourists coming to Khao Yai National Park. But the problem is that tourists try to chase and take close-up photos of wild elephants. Better than the weekend
In this regard, officials have been urged to strictly control Tourists must stay more than 50 meters away from wild elephants, while tourists cooperate more in following the advice of officials. When the official explained that Chasing and photographing elephants It puts pressure on elephants that are living naturally. As on Saturday, October 8th, tourists flocked to take photos of a herd of mother elephants that had just given birth. makes elephants stressed Moreover, this period is the period when elephants begin to lose weight. Elephants who are stressed because they are being chased Including fallen elephants, they may attack tourists who come close to them.
The head of Khao Yai National Park said Please cooperate with tourists to follow these 10 points when encountering wild elephants as follows:
1. Stop the vehicle at least 50 meters away from the elephant.
2. Do not use car horns or make loud noises to disturb or chase away elephants.
3. Refrain from using flash photography. Because it might startle the elephant.
4. Always keep the car engine on. In order to be able to move the car to escape in time.
5. If you see an elephant at night Always leave your car's lights on. To be able to easily observe the elephant's condition and the distance between the vehicle and the elephant. Do not turn on flashing
6. The best senses of an elephant are the ears, nose and eyes. If the engine is turned off The elephant will approach to use its other senses, that is, smell, see, and touch. That means the elephant has approached. He just touched it, but with great strength. The car can be damaged.
7. When falling into the circle of elephants Stay calm. If it's nighttime, keep the lights low and don't flash them. Then choose to move the car in a direction where there are few elephants. Move the car slowly, making the engine sound as quiet as possible.
8. You should not park your car to see the elephants. Because there may be other cars following. And your car is obstructing other people's cars.
9. One important thing when cars are lined up on the road. Unity must happen. If the car in front turns on its reverse lights The next car behind you should back up consciously.
10. You should not park your car and go down to take close-up pictures of elephants.
In this regard, tourists should always remember that Even though I saw only one elephant But that doesn't mean that There will be no other elephants. in that area Herds of elephants may spread out to find food in nearby forest areas. That way is possible. And the moment the elephant comes towards you is very fast.
Veterinarian Phattharaphon Manee-on or Dr. Lot, head of the Wildlife Health Management Group, recommends basic methods for observing elephants' emotions as follows.
When the elephant is in a good mood Ears will flutter back and forth. The tail will sway and the trunk will flick back and forth. or harvest trees to eat Not very interested in us
If an elephant is in a bad mood, its ears will be erect, it will not shake its tail, its tail will be pointed, its trunk will remain stiff. touching the floor Or use the trunk to hit the ground and stood still, staring at us
Elephants are animals with sensitive senses and are therefore easily stimulated. If you are chased until you are angry or distrustful May jump straight to attack the disturbed person immediately. without showing any signs of irritation first Moreover, when the elephant is irritated It may harm the officials who are protecting the elephants and tourists in the area. Therefore, the person at greatest risk at this time is Mr. Sutthiporn Product or "P'Sutthi" who has been nicknamed "Phi Suthi". "Khao Yai forest elephant buster" but "P'Sutthi" only has a flashlight as a weapon. Therefore, they may be harmed by elephants that are under stress.
Dr. Lot also said that the National Park Service places great importance on protecting wild elephants so that they feel safe in national parks that are the home of wild animals. If still under pressure Even in the house This may cause even more elephants to leave forest areas. Causing endless suffering for both people and wild elephants.
If while traveling in Khao Yai National Park Then a wild elephant came out and walked on the road. Then there was a traffic jam. or notice that Elephants are stressed Please notify the officials so that officials nearby Or you can call. 086-0926527 (Khao Yai National Park Office) and 086-0926529 (Tourist Service Center) so that officials can "protect" wild elephants and take care of the safety of tourists.
Source: Thai News Agency