PHNOM PENH— A wildlife rescue team led by park rangers on December 8 rushed to the aid of a young elephant calf found injured and alone in the Koh Nhek district of Mondulkiri Province. The calf, estimated to be around five months old and weighing approximately 200 kilograms, had sustained injuries to its leg from a snare trap.

It was discovered wandering a trail in the Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary in Memom Village, Roya Commune.

Veterinarians on the rescue team carefully assessed the calf’s injuries and administered necessary treatment. After stabilizing the calf, they transported it to a wildlife sanctuary for further care and rehabilitation.

The Mondulkiri Provincial Department of Environment is investigating the incident and taking steps to prevent future snare-related injuries to wildlife.

Din Bunthoeurn, deputy director of the Environment Department, confirmed the rescue. He stated that the calf, estimated to be around five months old, was found with a snare trap injury to its leg.

Despite the injury, the calf remains healthy and strong under the care of wildlife experts at a sanctuary. However, as it has been separated from its herd and mother, it will require temporary care from rangers until it can be safely reintroduced into the wild.

This is the second such rescue incident in recent months. In early November, another young elephant, named Chanam, was rescued after being separated from its family group.

The wild elephant, also referred to as the Asian elephant, is listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Approximately 40,000 to 50,000 wild elephants are found in Asia, with 75 residing in India and Sri Lanka.

According to the Environment Ministry, Cambodia has between 400 and 600 Asian elephants, with Mondulkiri home to approximately 350.