After three weeks of undergoing intensive medical treatment and care, a three-month-old elephant calf that was shot in the leg and caught in a hunter's trap is making a recovery.
Kampon Tansacha, president of Nong Nooch Pattaya Garden, where the female calf has been cared for since Dec 1, said the animal's wounds are healing and its overall health is improving following surgery to remove bullets and treatment for its damaged ankle.
Mr Kampon said the calf is being given antibiotics, and the wounds are cleaned and dressed daily to prevent infection. The animal is also undergoing a laser procedure to treat inflammation, and it will take up to three months for damaged tissues to recover, he said. When the wounds are healed, physical and water therapy will be provided to help the calf regain her strength and ability to walk, according to Mr Kampon.
He also said the animal's overall health is improving as it consumes up to 17 litres of milk daily.
The injured calf was discovered by villagers on Nov 29 at the Khao Sip Ha Chan National Park in Chanthaburi province's Kaeng Hang Maew district. The calf was taken to an animal nursery at Nong Nooch Tropical Garden in Chon Buri for further treatment after an examination showed her injuries were severe.
An X-ray image showed that her left leg contained 10 bullets, some of which had hit the bone, while her right leg was entangled after she fell into the snare. The surgery was performed by vets from Nong Nooch Tropical Garden and the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.