NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Thailand – An adult wild gaur was found lying weak and unable to stand near the edge of Thap Lan National Park in Khon Buri district on September 21, prompting local residents and park officials to closely monitor its condition. Thung Takhian village headman Samran Setkratok was alerted by villagers at around 4:30 p.m. after they discovered the large gaur near the forest edge east of Thung Takhian Temple in Khok Krachet subdistrict.
Samran and members of the local elephant monitoring and patrol network went to check on the animal before contacting Thap Lan National Park officials for assistance. The gaur was found lying in tall grass with its legs folded beneath its body. It appeared severely emaciated, with its spine clearly visible, and was unable to get up. Officials could not determine its sex because the animal remained lying down.
An initial inspection found no visible wounds on its body or three observable legs. Its left hind leg was underneath its body, making it difficult to assess. Tracks around the area showed that the gaur had apparently tried to drag itself along the ground to move. Samran said villagers who had been helping build a monk’s residence at the temple found the gaur after finishing work and heading into the area to look for mushrooms. He said the animal initially appeared able to move slightly, but became increasingly weak and stopped moving by early evening. No obvious cause of its condition had been identified.
Thap Lan National Park officials reported the situation to park chief Prawatthasat Chanthap. The park chief ordered staff to keep a close watch on the gaur and report its condition to veterinary personnel for further assessment and possible assistance. Officials will continue monitoring the animal closely while awaiting veterinary evaluation.
