Nakhon nayok: A storm with heavy rain toppled a 100-year-old Dipterocarpus tree at a famous temple in Nakhon Nayok, killing nearly 800 fruit bats. At the cremation site of Wat Kradan, Ban Na District, officials and veterinarians from the Prachinburi Regional Office of Protected Areas, along with volunteers from the Ruam Katanyu rescue foundation, rushed to use chainsaws to cut the ancient tree that had been felled by a storm on the afternoon of June 9th into smaller pieces. Their efforts aimed to save as many fruit bats as possible from the fallen branches.

According to Thai News Agency, before the storm, the Dipterocarpus tree was home to thousands of adult fruit bats and their offspring. The tree's age and decay, combined with strong winds, caused it to fall rapidly. The bats, unable to escape in time, were crushed by the tree's branches. Initial investigations revealed 757 dead fruit bats and 47 injured. The injured bats were taken for treatment, while the dead bats will be disposed of according to the regulations of the Department of National Parks.

Individuals wishing to assist the fruit bats can donate essential items to support their recovery. Items needed include food, cages with an opening at the top, towels or cloths for shade, syringes, saline solution, IV tubing, needles, Betadine, gauze, adhesive tape, and elastic bandages. These donations will aid in the treatment of injured fruit bats at Wildlife Rescue Center 1 in Nakhon Nayok.