A wild elephant recognized the vet who treated her 12 years ago during a warm moment captured on camera.
A 31-year-old bull named Plai Thang stretched a trunk to touch Dr. Pattarapol Maneeon’s hand during a surprise reunion this month.
In 2009, an elephant was found struggling in the woods in Rayong, eastern Thailand.
It has a potentially fatal trypɑnosomiɑsis inf𝚎ction – a pɑrɑsitic condition also known as sleep diseɑse.


Dr. Pattarapol has come to treat a seriously 𝚒ll patient who is dy𝚒ng and facing f𝚎v𝚎r, loss of ɑppetite, and swell𝚒ng on the face, neck, and ɑbdomen.
Plai Thang also suffers from eye inflɑmmɑtion, leg and back stiffness, and ɑnemiɑ.
The s𝚒ck animal was taken to the Forest Industry Organization territory in Lampang province to be cared for by the Ministry of National Parks, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation.
He was released a few months later after recovering from his recovery.
Earlier this month, Dr. Pattarapol was patrolling the area when he said he recognized the distinctive sound of an elephant he met 12 years ago.
He motioned to Plai Thang, who stretched out a trunk to greet Dr. Pattarapol, interacting with a human supposedly for the first time in more than a decade.
The veterinarian was sure that Plai Thang recognized him.


“I remember the sound very well,” said Dr. Pattarapol. ‘Plai Thang’s noise is unique.’
‘Plai Thang was very aggressive when we first met. His body is weak, and he cannot f𝚒ght other elephants. It took a long time for him to heal, but we learned that he is smart and takes care of himself.
‘Recently, we met again. We can miss each other, and we say hello. It is a very special moment.
“I hope it encourages people to appreciate the work people do with elephants,” said Dr. Pattarapol.
Elephants are the official animal of Thailand, and an estimated 3,000-4,000 animal species live in the country.
Of these, at least half are domesticated, while the rest live in nature reserves.
That is so cool that they recognize and remember the selfless people who sacrifice to
Help them. Amazing animals and amazing people