Members of the public are cautioned against falling prey to scammers on social media calling for donations for Sak Surin, the ailing elephant recently returned from Sri Lanka.

Suratchai Inwiset, director of the elephant conservation centre in Lampang province, said today (Tuesday) that the centre does not solicit funds from the public and has nothing to do with campaigning for donations.

Sak Surin, which is currently being sheltered at the centre under quarantine, has been diagnosed with a cataract in his right eye, a left front leg which cannot bend, infections on his hips and problems with his nails and the soles of his feet, said Suratchai.

Suratchai said that a treatment plan has, however, been worked out and will be implemented. Sak Surin is currently completing 30-days in quarantine.

He told a Thai PBS reporter that Sak Surin’s overall condition is normal, as he eats well and his digestive system is functioning normally, adding that he sleeps from 1.30am to 3am and again from 4am, which is a good sign.

Officials have erected a no-entry sign in front of the quarantine zone, to prevent outsiders disturbing to the elephant or the mahouts, while they are trying to get along and communicate with the animal in the Thai language.