Rising Incidents of Abandoned Elephant Calves in Southeast Asia

The case of Khao Tom, a two-month-old elephant calf abandoned by her herd in Thailand, underscores a troubling trend of increasing abandonment among elephant calves in Southeast Asia. This phenomenon is attributed to growing human-elephant conflict and habitat loss, which are reshaping the dynamics of elephant herds.

The Guardian

Khao Tom was rescued from Lam Khlong Ngu National Park after her mother left her behind due to a congenital disorder affecting her knees. This incident is not isolated; reports indicate a significant rise in similar cases across Southeast Asia. A database compiled by the Guardian shows an increase in reported incidents from an average of two per year between 2015 and 2022 to 14 in 2025. The reasons for abandonment are complex and may involve stress on the mother or environmental pressures.

The Guardian

Joshua Plotnik, a psychology professor at City University’s Hunter College, has studied elephant behavior for nearly two decades. He notes that while abandonment is rare, it can occur under stress or when the safety of the herd is compromised. Natthanon Panpetch, senior veterinarian and director of the Bueng Chawak wildlife rescue center, is directly involved in Khao Tom's care and highlights the challenges of reintegrating such calves into the wild.

The Guardian

Human activities are increasingly encroaching on elephant habitats, leading to fragmentation and loss of foraging areas. A study published in the journal Nature indicates that 64% of Asian elephant habitat has been lost since 1700. As elephants adapt to these changes, they often come into conflict with human settlements, which can lead to calves being separated from their herds. For instance, a calf in Indonesia was separated after farmers drove the herd away, and another in Malaysia was caught in a buffalo trap.

The Guardian

While some experts argue that the rise in reported cases may reflect increased media coverage and public interest, others, like Plotnik, suggest that the pressures of habitat loss and human conflict are likely contributing to a genuine increase in herd-calf separations. This dual perspective highlights the need for further investigation into the underlying causes of these incidents.

The Guardian

Natthanon Panpetch expressed concern over Khao Tom's future, stating, “The longer she stays with humans, the harder it will be for the herd to accept her.” This sentiment reflects broader worries about the long-term implications of habitat changes on elephant populations.

The Guardian

As the situation evolves, ongoing monitoring and research into the causes of calf abandonment will be crucial. Conservation efforts must address the underlying issues of habitat loss and human-elephant conflict to mitigate future incidents and support the survival of elephant populations in Southeast Asia.

The Guardian

• “We didn’t think she would make it,” — Natthanon Panpetch, Senior Veterinarian

The Guardian

• “abandonment is very rare” — Joshua Plotnik, Psychology Professor

The Guardian

• “This adaptability, unfortunately and paradoxically, can lead to increased conflict involving humans,” — Joshua Plotnik, Psychology Professor

The Guardian

• “The longer she stays with humans, the harder it will be for the herd to accept her,” — Natthanon Panpetch, Senior Veterinarian

The Guardian