Sak Surin, the elephant recently repatriated from Sri Lanka, has passed his latest medical and has been cleared of elephant-related diseases. He will remain in quarantine until early August.

According to blood analysis, conducted by the Animal Health Institute and Veterinary Research and Development Centre, Sak Surin has been cleared of Trypanosoma evansi, tuberculosis, herpes, leptospirosis, foot and mouth disease and brucella abortus.

A similar medical will be carried out again in 15 days.

Sak Surin’s health is assessed as level 3 (out of 5), said an informed source at the Elephant Conservation Centre in Lampang, where the animal is being sheltered after his return on July 2nd.

The elephant is eating 120-200kg of mainly grass and fruit, such as tamarind and salt, and drinks from a hose, said the source, adding that his digestive system is working normally. Sak Surin sleeps twice a night for up to 3 hours at a time.

The elephant now understands a few words used by the mahouts to communicate, allows them to touch his body and, occasionally, lets them to sit on his back.