Baby elephant rescued after becoming separated from herd during Typhoon Noul

A baby elephant was rescued after becoming separated from its mother during Typhoon Noul. Residents heard the crying jumbo throughout Saturday night (September 19) after rain and wind had battered Prachinburi province in central Thailand. The four-month-old male elephant was found the next morning in the Thap Lan National Park as the storm moved across the country causing widespread damage and flooding. Footage shows the frail youngster being ushered across a wet road into a waiting truck before being taken into care. Rangers were unable to release the elephant as it would be unable to survive on its own and its mother may never find him in the deep jungle. National Park director Wichai Phornleesaengsuwan together with the veterinarians transferred the baby jumbo to a wildlife centre to receive medical assistance. He said: ''The baby elephant appeared hungry, stressed, and weary. We think it was because it had been missing the protection of the herd. We will not release him yet as it's much too dangerous, particularly with the storms.'' Wichai ordered his team to set checkpoints in case the herd entered the area to search for the lost elephant. Wildlife officials hope they can nurse the elephant back to health before it is reunited with its family. Thailand has at least 2,000 elephants living in the wild and a similar number in captivity. They live in sanctuaries, elephant parks, zoos, tourist resorts or with private owners who use them for weddings and religious ceremonies.