Domesticated elephant found dead in forest accident in Vietnam

The elephant, named Bak Kham, died on Friday morning in a forest area in Lien Son Lak Commune, Dak Lak Province, according to the Dak Lak Elephant Conservation, Animal Rescue and Forest Protection Center.

The animal, which had been domesticated since 1974, was discovered by residents in a forest section overseen by the Lak Lake Historical, Cultural and Environmental Forest Management Board.

An inspection by the conservation center and local authorities found no signs of human involvement. 

Officials said the elephant may have slipped on wet ground after an interaction with a male elephant and hit a tree, causing fatal internal injuries.

The body was treated and buried under official supervision at a local cemetery, following the owner's request, the center said.

There are 33 domesticated elephants remaining in Dak Lak, where officials conduct regular health checks to reduce mortality, according to the conservation center.