Thailand's elephant community caught in coronavirus fallout

Closure of tourism camps imperils captive animals and their careers

After Thailand closed elephant camps, many expelled the animals and their trainers rather than continue paying for them. A large number of those who left began a long trek homeward along dusty roads in the blazing heat of the dry season. (Courtesy of Save Elephant Foundation)

RON GLUCKMAN, Contributing writer

April 13, 2020 14:30 JST

BANGKOK -- As the COVID-19 epidemic envelops the globe, human casualties are mounting fast, with no region unaffected. In Thailand, which has seen a slow but steady rise to more than 2,500 infections and 38 deaths as of April 13, the outbreak also threatens a catastrophe for another major species: elephants.