Often, a very special connection can be established between a human and an animal, which transcends any barrier. If a human comes to care for an animal in distress, you can be sure that the animal in question will be grateful for life. It seems that Dr. Pattarapol Maneeon, a Thai veterinarian, had proof of this during the lucky encounter with an elephant he had treated 12 years ago. The Plai Thang elephant seems to have recognized the one who, many years ago, had literally saved his life. A completely remarkable meeting, from which we can see some really intense photos!
Plai Thang is a 31-year-old elephant who, 12 years before this extraordinary event, was rescued by the staff of the “Department of National Parks, Plant Health and Conservation” from certain death. In 2009, the poor animal was found in deplorable conditions in a forest in Rayong, eastern Thailand. The elephant was suffering from trypanosomiasis, a potentially fatal infectious disease, from which, however, Dr. Pattarapol managed to save him. The elephant was also suffering from other problems, and when he arrived in the Forest Industry Organization in Lampang Province to be treated, he proved to be quite aggressive. At the same time, however, the elephant showed great intelligence: he knew that those people only wanted his best. Dr. Pattarapol resolutely and patiently succeeded in completely healing Plai Thang, who was later released into his natural habitat. Now, after 12 years, during which time he had never met a man, the elephant seems to have recognized his veterinarian.
Dr. Pattarapol was patrolling the wooded area when he suddenly recognized the specific sounds of the elephant he had encountered 12 years ago: he was sure it was none other than Plai Thang! Similarly, when the two met face to face, it seems that the elephant recognized him. As a sign of friendship and gratitude, Plai Thang stretched his horn in the direction of the man, and the latter reached out to touch the animal.
“I remember his cry very clearly,” says Dr. Pattarapol, “Plai Thang’s horn is unique. When I first met him, he was very aggressive. His body was weak and he could not keep up with the other elephants. In his case, it took a long time to heal, but I found that he was very smart: he wanted to live. Now, we met again. We remembered each other and greeted each other. It was a very special moment “- concluded the doctor, visibly excited. On the other hand, how can you not be impressed by such a gesture?