Phnom Penh: On the morning of December 10, 2024, a baby elephant named "Lumphat" was brought to the Phnom Tamao Zoo, Protected Forest and Botanical Garden for treatment and care, following instructions from Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. Environmental officers from the Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary Headquarters, in collaboration with the Forestry Administration and the Wildlife Friends Organization, facilitated the transfer at approximately 4:30 am.

According to Ms. Im Rachana, Undersecretary of State and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, "Lumphat" is a five-month-old female elephant weighing 138 kilograms. She sustained an injury to her right front leg due to a snare and was discovered by the conservation team near the Lumphat Wildlife Sanctuary Headquarters, while being pursued by a group of dogs. The conservation team successfully captured the injured elephant and reached out to Wildlife Alliance for medical assistance.

Given the severity of Lumphat’s leg injury, which requires extensive healing time, and her inability to feed properly, Wildlife Alliance veterinarians, along with the Forestry Administration, sought approval from the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to transfer the elephant for specialized care.

"Lumphat" marks the second baby elephant received at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center. Earlier in November 2024, a female elephant named "Janam" was rescued after being separated from her herd for more than a week in Putrom Village, Romna Sangkat, Sen Monorom City, Mondulkiri Province. Ms. Im Rachana noted that "Janam" has shown significant recovery after receiving expert care at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center. 

The efforts to rehabilitate and care for these young elephants underscore the commitment of the Cambodian government and partner organizations to wildlife conservation and the protection of endangered species.