Hell’s Fall Waterfall or Haew Narok in Khao Yai National Park in Thailand recently experienced a major tragedy when six Asian elephants plummeted 200m to their death. The animals were attempting to rescue a calf that had slipped when the horrific incident occurred.
According to the BBC, Thailand’s Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) said officials were called to the scene on Saturday at 3am as a group of elephants were blocking a road near the waterfall.
Three hours later, the body of the calf was spotted downstream of the waterfall. Shortly after that the remaining five elephants were discovered.
Two elephants, believed to be a part of the same herd, narrowly escaped death and were found stranded on a nearby ledge. The remnant of the herd was rescued.
Speaking to BBC, Edwin Wiek, the founder of Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand, said the pair may struggle to survive. Elephants rely on each other for protection and finding food. They also form matriarchal herds and so the loss of so many herd members may take an emotional toll.
To investigate the accident officials sent small drones into the area, which is inaccessible by foot. Upon analysis of the footage, officials discovered that five more elephants had also fallen, bringing the total count to 11.
In 1992 Hell’s Fall became infamous among locals when a herd of elephants fell to their death.
Also see: Elephant calf helped up embankment
Image: Twitter
