NAKHON NAYOK — 10 June 2026, A powerful storm toppled a century-old Yang Na tree at a temple in Nakhon Nayok province, killing 757 large flying foxes and injuring 47 others, wildlife officials said.
Officials and veterinarians from the Protected Areas Regional Office 1 (Prachin Buri), together with Ruamkatanyu Foundation rescue volunteers, worked to clear the fallen tree at Wat Kradan in Ban Na district after it collapsed during a storm on the afternoon of 9 June.
The tree, estimated to be more than 100 years old, served as a roost for thousands of large flying foxes and their young. Authorities said strong winds and heavy rain brought the ageing tree down, trapping many of the animals beneath branches and debris before they could escape.
Rescue teams spent more than five hours cutting the fallen tree into smaller sections and searching for surviving animals.
Officials classified the bats into three groups: those that died, those that were injured and those that remained unharmed. Carcasses were collected for disposal in accordance with Department of National Parks regulations, while injured animals were transported to Wildlife Rescue Centre 1 in Nakhon Nayok for treatment and rehabilitation. Healthy bats were released onto nearby trees within the area.
Preliminary surveys found that 757 flying foxes had died, while 47 injured animals were taken for veterinary care.
Authorities said they would continue searching the site for additional injured bats and remove any remaining carcasses in accordance with wildlife management procedures.
Wildlife officials also appealed for public donations of cages, medical supplies and other equipment to support the treatment of injured bats at the rescue centre in Nakhon Nayok.
