How the Elephant Ambulance saved Bounmee

It began with an urgent call late one evening. A 44-year-old elephant named Bounmee, who had recently been relocated to a new camp, was in serious distress. Her owner, Mr. Hong, was deeply worried. She hadn’t eaten or drunk water in over 24 hours. Her belly was severely swollen, her eyes were dull, and she was barely moving.

Thanks to generous donations from World Animal Protection supporters, the Elephant Ambulance was ready to respond. We raced through the streets of Vientiane to reach her.

Pictured: Bounmee with a very bloated abdomen abdomen

A life-threatening emergency

When we arrived, Bounmee was standing motionless, clearly in pain. Her trunk hung limp, and her condition was deteriorating fast. Our team began treatment straight away - administering fluids and supportive care - but even with this initial help, her symptoms barely improved.

By morning, it became clear: this wasn’t just discomfort. Bounmee’s digestive system was at risk of shutting down. We were facing a potentially fatal intestinal blockage. Time was running out.

Pictured: Bounmee laying down in discomfort with no desire to eat or drink

A race against time

In the sweltering heat, we worked for hours. Mr. Hong stood by, stroking Bounmee’s trunk and whispering softly to her as we carried out an intense and physically demanding procedure.

Eventually, our veterinarian identified the cause - a massive, hardened blockage composed of compacted dry grass and parasites, completely obstructing her intestines. Piece by piece, we began carefully removing the obstruction. It was exhausting. It was messy. But we never gave up.

Pictured: The blockage is carefully removed

A moment of hope

Then, something extraordinary happened.

As we cleared the final blockage, Bounmee’s trunk - limp for days - lifted slightly. Her eyes began to brighten. Within minutes, she reached for water. Then she started searching for food.

The transformation was nothing short of miraculous. It was a moment that reminded us exactly why we do this work.

And it was all made possible because of people like you.

Recovery begins

Since that day, Bounmee has remained under our care, steadily regaining her strength. She’s eating, drinking, and moving more confidently with each passing day. She’s not just surviving - she’s healing.

Her story is a powerful reminder of what support for our missions can achieve and her journey a testament to the dedication and compassion of our team. Together, we can continue to provide life-saving care to elephants in need. We couldn’t do these missions without the generosity and kindness of World Animal Protection supporters.

Saving lives, one elephant at a time

In 2024, the Elephant Ambulance treated 132 captive elephants across Laos and Cambodia - and we’re working hard to reach even more this year.

Emergencies like Bounmee’s are happening in remote corners of Southeast Asia every month. But thanks to generous donations, our ambulance is equipped to respond – stocked with the vital medical supplies that helped save Bounmee’s life and continue to bring hope to other elephants in urgent need.

On behalf of Bounmee, Mr. Hong, and our entire Elephant Ambulance team - thank you.

Gilles
Elephant Ambulance Project