Vets at the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang province have suggested trimming the tusks of 30-year-old male elephant Sak Surin, who was rescued from Sri Lanka last year, because they almost touch the ground and are making life difficult for him.
The weight of the tusks, which continue to grow, is also raising concern about the strain they put on his neck.
Warangkhana Langkaphin, a veterinarian at Lampang Elephant Hospital, explained that the elephant is now walking with his head lowered, due to the weight of the tusks.
“Sak Surin’s tusks continue to grow longer and heavier. Due to their weight and length, the elephant’s daily life is severely affected,” Warangkhana said, adding “If this situation continues, it will inevitably lead to health problems.”
The veterinary team has consulted experts and is considering filing the tusks down, to make them shorter and lighter. Warangkhana noted, however, that the procedure cannot be carried out immediately, as further consultation is needed.
Sak Surin, who was donated to Sri Lanka about two decades ago, came to public attention in mid-2022, when a group of international conservationists, RARE, urged Thailand to take the ailing elephant back.
A team of Thai vets and mahouts was sent to Sri Lanka to treat the elephant, which had reportedly been kept chained up and was frequently used in ceremonies.
The repatriation was delayed due to his health, but was finally achieved in July last year.
