In an extremely moving scene, a wild elephant seems to recognize the man that saved his life over a decade ago.

Dr. Pattarapol Maneeon had a heartwarming, yet unexpected reunion, with an elephant he treated 12 years ago. Back in 2009, the now 31-year-old elephant named Plai Thang was extremely ill.  When a team of volunteers found him, in the the wilderness of Rayong in eastern Thailand, his chances to survive were extremely slim. Suffering from multiple sicknesses such as trypanosomiasis, anaemia or stiff legs, the poor creature was struggling to eat or drink water, let alone to stand on his feet.

The elephant was immediately taken to the Forest Industry Organisation, where Dr. Maneeon treated him and looked after him, until he miraculously recovered in a few months.

He was, then released back in the wild, in the same area where the rescue team initially found him.

However, was unsure the elephant will recognize him after so many years. Anyway, the vet waved at him.  And soon as he realizes the man who’s waving at him is the same who treated him 12 years ago, the elephant hurries to show his appreciation, once again.

As he got close to Dr. Maneeon, Plai Thang reaches his trunk to touch the hand that saved his life. A moment surprised by cameras!  The vet later explained, that when he initially spotted Plai Thang, he knew it was him after the sound he made.

“I remember the sound very clearly. Plai Thang’s noise is very unique,” the vet told to a local news outlet.  “Plai Thang was very aggressive when we first met. His body was weak and he could not fight other elephants. It took a long time for him to heal, but we learned that he was very smart and took care of himself. “Recently, we met again,”  Dr. Maneeon added. “We could remember each other and we greeted. It was a very special moment. I hope it encourages everybody to appreciate the work that people do with elephants.”

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