(Bangkok, 26th) A tourist elephant in Thailand became so overweight that, after lying down, it was unable to stand up again, prompting the use of an excavator to transport it to a hospital after more than three hours of failed rescue attempts.

According to a report by the World Daily Thailand, a 60-year-old elephant named Pangboonmee, kept at a tourist elephant camp in Phuket, had been routinely fed by visitors, mainly fruits, which led to significant weight gain.

The elephant's enclosure was also too small to allow proper movement, resulting in obesity, with its weight exceeding 3,000 kilograms. On the evening of the 20th, the elephant lay down but could not stand up again. The owner had no choice but to seek help from the local mayor.

Rescue workers initially used ropes in an attempt to help the elephant stand, but after more than three hours of careful effort, they were unsuccessful. During the ordeal, the elephant was reported to have been crying.

The elephant's owner administered medication and nutrients while the rescue team worked, but eventually, an excavator had to be called in to lift the animal. Despite being lifted, the elephant's hind legs were too weak to support its body. The rescue team then fully hoisted it with the excavator and transported it to a specialized elephant hospital for treatment.

The owner explained that the elephant had been relocated to a palm plantation a month prior and was tied up to help it adjust to the new environment. However, after lying down on the evening of the 20th, it was unable to stand on its own.

Fearing that the elephant might die if left in that position, the owner quickly sought assistance.