From the culturally vibrant heart of Thailand’s National Resource and Environment Ministry comes the heartening announcement of a ceremonious welcome for Sak Surin, a noble elephant of 30 winters, upon the termination of his solitude. As the quarantine on this majestic creature concludes after full circle of moon, the country embraces him with a festive event, a traditional Bai Sri Su Khwan ceremony.
Minister Varawut Silpa-archa, the vigorous steward of the Natural Resources and Environment, conveyed this uplifting news, implicitly revealing that the event is to unfurl at the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre (TECC), nestled in Lampang. The sanctuary of TECC has been the haven for Sak Surin, providing him with meticulous medical care, ever since his journey back from his stint in Sri Lanka on July 2nd. His well-being is being rigorously overseen by specialists, with a comprehensive blood test forthcoming to establish his vitality, thereby concluding this chapter of his restorative journey.
After the completion of the Bai Sri Su Khwan celebrations, the stage will be set for public audiences with Sak Surin, as reported by the Bangkok Post. The gentle giant’s ultimate homestead will be amongst his peers at the sanctuary, as he continues to regain his prime health under the watchful eye of the Environment Minister and his team.
Tracing back to the turn of the millennium, Sak Surin was one of the three stalwart Thai elephants presented as tokens of goodwill to the island nation of Sri Lanka. Over the passing seasons, his guardianship fluctuated greatly, and eventually, he found his place at the revered doorstep of Aluthgama’s Kande Viharaya temple nestled in the southern fringes of Sri Lanka. Sak Surin graced several annual Buddhist parades, shouldering the immense responsibility of bearing sacred relics.
Regrettably, a veil of melancholy shrouded Sak Surin’s life, as whispered allegations of neglect and mistreatment surfaced. These concerns led to a shift in his residence in the late stages of the past year to the National Zoological Gardens. Rally for Animal Rights and Environment (Rare), a distinguished animal welfare organisation in Sri Lanka, took note of Sak Surin’s plight.
Tags: Elephant, Sak Surin, Thailand
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