The overall condition of Sak Surin, the Thai elephant recently arrived from Sri Lanka, is good, except two lesions on his hips, which need to be cleaned every day, and the wounds on one front leg, which is crooked and needs to be X-rayed after the 30-day quarantine period, according a veterinarian at the elephant conservation centre in Lampang, Warangkhana Langkaphin.

She said that the wounds on the front leg may pose a problem for the elephant in the long run because of its weight.

The first thorough medical check-up since its arrival at the conservation centre yesterday (Sunday) shows that the elephant is a little fatigued, but he is well overall. He is eating and his digestive system is functioning normally, she said, adding that the animal sleeps on one side and can get up by itself.

Sak Surin is still not very familiar with the Thai language used by the mahouts in their communication with each other, said the vet.

She also said that, as a precaution against communicable diseases, a different set of equipment is used exclusively for Sak Surin.

Blood and other fluid samples were drawn last night for analysis for such diseases as leptospirosis, rabies, tuberculosis and herpes.