Sunbears to Elephants: Explore Life at a Thai Wildlife Hospital
New Wildlife Hospital Treats Rescued Monkey
Yong, a pig-tailed macaque rescued from a coconut plantation in southern Thailand, is receiving care at the newly opened Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand (WFFT) facility, the country’s only NGO-run wildlife hospital.
Daily Treatment Routine
- Cleaning a wound on an elephant’s tail
- Assessing another elephant’s possible cataract
- Treating a Malayan sunbear’s skin condition
Yong’s Arrival and Health Check
After quarantine, Yong was sedated with a tranquiliser dart from a white tube before transport to the hospital. Blood work, an IV line, and an X‑ray exposed no broken bones or respiratory illness. The veterinarians then removed the metal rings that once kept him chained to a #chain.
Vasectomy for Breeding Prevention
During a final surgery in the operating theatre, Yong underwent a vasectomy to allow him to join a mixed troop of rescued monkeys without the risk of breeding.
Foundation’s Expansion and Advocacy
Founded in 2001, WFFT now spans 120 hectares, houses 60 species, and cares for over 900 animals. The foundation works with government, the coconut industry, and exporters to stop using monkeys on plantations and to promote shorter trees that are easier to harvest.
Future Goals and Forensics Lab
Founder Edwin Wiek plans a forensics lab to trace the origins of confiscated animals from traffickers. “The laws exist but enforcement is lacking,” he says. “With this tool, we could actually strike a blow against illegal wildlife traffickers.”
