Wildlife rescue effort in Dak Lak

Four attempts to return the 4-month-old elephant to the wild have failed, so it is now being raised in the conservation center. It is a big challenge because the survival rate of baby elephants raised in captivity is very low.

The baby elephant Gold almost died of severe diarrhea. The center had to count on leading experts from four international organizations in a bid to cure the calf and subsequent elephant caring consultation, such as adding lactose and appropriate minerals to the milk to feed the animal.

“The good health of the calf is attributed to successful international co-operation. Experts in elephant behavior and nutrition regularly keep contact with workers in the center on how to take care of the baby elephant”, said Huynh Trung Lan – Director of Dak Lak Elephant Conservation Center.

The animal is fed every 3 hours with milk mixed with boiled water, salt and coconut. Every day, it drinks 3 large boxes of milk which is equivalent for the baby diet of a month. This works out at 45 US dollars per day. Under such a caring regime, the calf's health has gradually improved. The one year-old elephant now weighs about 100kg.

“Gold has become a friend of mine. He is very affectionate and close to those who care for it. It is also a pet of mine who always follows me”, said Cao Xuan Vinh - a staff of Dak Lak Elephant Conservation Center.