PHNOM PENH: Much-loved elephant “Sakor” has passed away at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre. Despite the best efforts of veterinary staff, he did not recover from severe abdominal swelling, succumbing to his illness on Tuesday (Sept 22).
Originally from Koh Kong province’s Botum Sakor National Park, the 34-year-old male was transferred to the rescue centre in 2012, after coming into conflict with farmers.
The move was aimed to ensure the safety of local residents and travellers, explained the centre.
Since then, Sakor had become an important and much-loved member of the resident elephant herd.
The centre’s management and staff expressed deep sadness over the loss and thanked the veterinarians, animal keepers and all other parties involved in caring for Sakor and protecting his welfare until his final moments.
The Airavata Elephant Foundation also expressed its sadness over Sakor’s death, explaining that the origin of his name stemmed from Botum Sakor National Park; Sakor means “sea” in Khmer.
After his transfer, he found safe refuge and lived peacefully, noticeably alongside a female elephant named “Chamroeun”, with whom he had a close relationship.
Sakor’s life reflected the challenges surrounding human-wildlife coexistence in Cambodia, noted the foundation.
An autopsy is scheduled to determine the precise cause of death. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
