An Elephant Recognized the Veterinarian Who Treated It 12 Years Ago at a Glance... Joyful 'Nose Greeting'

A Deadly Parasitic Disease from 12 Years Ago... Months of Treatment
Reunion After Approaching at the Sound of a Familiar Cry

A Thai veterinarian who coincidentally reunited with an elephant he treated 12 years ago. Photo by Patarapol Manion Facebook capture.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] A wild elephant in Thailand warmly recognized and greeted the veterinarian who treated him 12 years ago when they met again, spreading a heartwarming story.

According to major foreign media on the 15th (local time), Patarapol Manion, a veterinarian affiliated with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) of Thailand, announced on Facebook on the 13th that he had reunited with an elephant he had treated in the past.

The post was made on March 13, which is 'Elephant Day' in Thailand.

While on patrol recently, Patarapol heard a familiar elephant call.

Approaching the source of the sound, he found that the elephant was a male named 'Fly Tang,' whom he had treated in 2009.

Estimated to be 31 years old now, 'Fly Tang' was found in a forest area in Rayong, southern Thailand, suffering from a fatal parasitic disease called trypanosomiasis.

The elephant had a fever, loss of appetite, and swelling on his face, neck, and abdomen.

He also had inflammation in his eyes and anemia, putting his life in critical danger.

The elephant was moved to Lampang in the north and received treatment from Patarapol and other DNP veterinarians.

A Thai veterinarian who coincidentally reunited with an elephant he treated 12 years ago. Photo by Patarapol Manion Facebook capture.

Fortunately, the elephant's condition began to improve, and after several months, he returned to the wild.

After 12 years, when Patarapol met 'Fly Tang' again and cautiously extended his hand, the elephant also reached out his trunk and responded with a 'trunk greeting.'

This moment was captured in a photo by a staff member who was present.

Patarapol said, "Fly Tang had a fierce temperament because he was wild, but at first, he was very weak due to illness, and it took time for him to fully recover. He was very smart and knew how to take care of himself."

He added, "When we met again recently, we remembered each other and greeted one another. His behavior clearly showed that he had not forgotten me. It was a very special moment."