BANGKOK, Oct 6 (NNN-TNA) – The Thai authority announced, the Haew Narok waterfall, in Khao Yai National Park, in northeastern Thailand, off-limits, after six wild elephants fell into a deep ravine and drowned to death.
Thanya Netithamkul, chief of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, said, several elephants slipped and fell into the ravine, and six had been confirmed dead.
Thanya said, park rangers on Saturday morning heard elephants crying in the creek, leading to the waterfall.
“Park officials rushed to the scene, to find a baby elephant aged around three years, drowned on the top layer of the waterfall. They also noticed two adult elephants, which were frantically trying to advance into the flowing water, to save their young, looking extremely exhausted,” said Thanya.
“Six elephants died from drowning. Hence, I have ordered the national park, to close the area to tourists, and will find ways to prevent such accidents from happening again in the future,” said Thanya.
The Haew Narok Waterfall, which in Thai means “hell’s abyss” — is a popular tourist attraction, where wild elephants are frequently sighted.
The waterfall got its terrifying name for being extremely high and steep, and that elephants and other animals often fall to their deaths at this waterfall.NNN-TNA