Chiang Mai opens first elephant hospital to boost survival rates

Chiang Mai has opened its first specialized elephant hospital in Mae Taeng district on Saturday, aiming to reduce transit times for sick animals and boost survival rates among the domestic elephant population.  

For over two decades, handlers in Chiang Mai, home to Thailand’s largest captive elephant population, had to transport sick animals to the National Elephant Institute in neighboring Lampang province.

The new facility, named the Elephant and Wildlife Health Center, was established by the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Chiang Mai University. Spanning over 10.2 acres, the complex features a critical care unit, recovery pens, feed storage buildings, mahout housing, and staff quarters.

In addition to providing emergency veterinary care, the hospital will serve as a center for research and specialized training for domestic and international elephant veterinarians.