A doctor explained the need to hold “Nong Khaotom,” the lost wild elephant calf, to provide warmth. He revealed that the calf recently suffered convulsions and weakened immunity. He sent encouragement to the little elephant and said the medical team is closely monitoring her condition.
Dr. Lot Phattharaphon Maneeon, a veterinarian with the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, disclosed on his personal Facebook today (8 Nov 2025 GMT+7) that they must hold Nong Khaotom because internal abnormalities are becoming clearer. This is based on close assessment of her milk intake, bowel movements, and health checks, with daily team consultations.
An infection in the digestive tract has caused her to drink less milk, absorb nutrients poorly, and weakened her immunity, allowing viruses to attack the vulnerable areas. The latest diagnosis found herpesvirus type 4 infection in her digestive system.
As a rapid nutritional supplement upon detecting the infection, the veterinary team administered 3.5 liters of blood from an elephant in Ayutthaya to prevent physical decline and replenish nutrients.
Holding the calf to provide warmth and convey care through physical contact from the team is helping strengthen Nong Khaotom’s physical and mental immunity, encouraging her to fight and stay strong every day.
Sending support through hugs.
Khun Noona Kanjana Silpa-archa, who has been assisting Nong Khaotom since day one, posted on her personal Facebook today (8 Nov 2025 GMT+7) that the little Khaotom experienced convulsions this morning.
— On 8 Nov 2025 GMT+7 at 08:30, the veterinary team reported on the condition of the female wild elephant calf named Khaotom, aged 1 month and 16 days.
The details are as follows:
1. Wild elephant calf Khaotom drinks milk and rice water but still consumes less than the amount calculated by the veterinarians. Her urine is clear, and her stool is loose with a small amount of cream-like material.
2. Veterinarians administered intravenous fluids throughout the day to prevent dehydration and support blood sugar levels, along with antibiotics.
They also administered anti-inflammatory medications for the digestive system, vitamins, and antiviral drugs.
3. On 7 Nov 2025 GMT+7 at 23:30, the veterinarians transfused 3,500 milliliters of blood donated by elephants from Ayutthaya. Dr. Ladthongthae Meephan and Asst. Prof. Dr. Supapen Sripiboon from Kasetsart University’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, assisted with blood collection.
4. Veterinarians continuously treated and cleaned wounds and pressure sores on her skin, applying medications to promote healing.
5. On 8 Nov 2025 GMT+7, between 06:00 and 07:00, Khaotom experienced low blood sugar and convulsions. Veterinarians treated her until her condition normalized.
6. Laboratory blood test results on 7 Nov 2025 GMT+7, courtesy of Kasetsart University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, and Central Lab Suphanburi, include the following details:
6.1 Detected presence of elephant herpesvirus type 4 (EEHV Type 4), which damages the elephant’s digestive system.
6.2 Found below-normal levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, and protein.
Liver function levels were also lower than normal.
6.3 White blood cells were present in the stool.
6.4 Additional bacterial culture tests on stool samples are pending.
7. The calf’s condition continues to require daily assessment.
"Nong Khaotom" is a female wild elephant calf separated from her mother in Thong Pha Phum district, Kanchanaburi. She is currently receiving care at the Bueng Chawak Wildlife Management Development Center in Suphanburi province. She was born with physical abnormalities, especially in her front legs, and is under close veterinary supervision.
Photos from Facebook of Kanjana Silpa-archa and Phattharaphon Maneeon.