ARTIFICIAL LIMBS FOR ELEPHANTS

The Elephants’ Friend Foundation Hospital in Hang Chat District of Lampang Province performed an operation to attach an artificial limb to Motala, an unfortunate elephant that stepped over a landmine eight years ago.

Dr. Preecha Puangkham, the head of the hospital, together with a team of medics, tried to attach an artificial limb to Motala. Prior to the landmine blast, the elephant and its owner were dragging the lumbers near the border areas of Thailand in Mae Sod District of Tak Province. However, Motala has almost fully recovered. The doctors have performed this type of operation for hobbling elephants since last year.

As for the development of the elephant’s artificial limb, the team of doctors uses a three-layered container and fills it up with sawdust. Doctors have attached the artificial limbs to elephants, and they are now capable of walking normally.

Another elephant named Mo Cha has also undergone such operation, and its condition has improved as well. Herbal medicines have been applied to the wounds before the actual operation will initiate.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 September 2006