PATTAYA - A baby elephant took a tentative dip in a swimming pool on Thursday as part of a lengthy rehabilitation process to heal her injured foot.
Baby Fah Jam was three months old when her front left leg was caught in a trap set by villagers in Chanthaburi province, 250km southeast of Bangkok.
Veterinarian Padet Siridumrong said Fah Jam, who is now five months old, was showing signs of improvement following initial water-based exercises known as hydrotherapy.
"By her fourth or fifth session she will enjoy swimming more. She's just a baby, that's why she's a bit scared at first but, by nature, elephants love the water," Mr Padet said.
The treatment could take up to two months, he said.
The elephant is a symbol of Thailand and in ancient times they were used to carry soldiers into battle. They are also used in the logging industry.
But logging has been banned and many domesticated elephants have ended up on the tourist trail, giving rides and putting on displays in shows.
Animal rights groups have criticised the use of elephants in the tourism industry, arguing that the animals are often mistreated.
There are about 3,700 elephants left in the wild in Thailand and up to 4,000 domesticated ones, according to EleAid, a British organisation working for the conservation of the Asian elephant.
Deforestation, rapid urbanisation and poaching of elephants for their ivory have all contributed to a dramatic decline in the wild elephant population.
Fah Jam receives help from handlers as she arrives for a hydrotherapy treatment as part of a rehabilitation process to heal her injured front left foot. (Reuters photo)
A veterinarian treats the wounds of Fah Jam after a hydrotherapy treatment. (Reuters photo)
Fah Jam is pictured in her enclosure. (Reuters photo)