At ADI we treat animals of all sizes – from tiny hamsters to… elephant! Dr. Will and Dr. Martyna recently were invited as veterinary experts to see the elephants in Yok Don National Park under the care of Animals Asia.
As you may have seen ADI has a lot of experience providing veterinary care for elephants across Laos. We were incredibly happy and excited to begin the same project here, in Vietnam.
The elephants in Yok Don NPA have been rescued from cruel tourist camps or logging industry and now enrolled in a higher-welfare eco-tourism program.
They are able to roam free in the jungle with their mahout guidance, busy just being an elephant – socializing with each other, eating healthy food and bathing in the river. There is no riding and no violence (like in ‘classic’ tourist camps where you can ride an elephant).
One of our jobs as their doctor includes ensuring the elephants get their necessary preventative treatment (like regular deworming), treating their wounds, trimming their nails (Yes, elephants get manicure tool), providing regular check—ups and diagnostic tests – and of course being there for emergencies if needed. Have you ever wondered how to take blood from the elephant? We take it from the back of the ear where skin is thinner… in some places their skin can be up to 6cm
thick!
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