CHIANG MAI - The abscess on Thai elephant Plai Sak Surin’s hip has started healing, veterinarians tending to the elephant at a conservation centre said on Saturday.
Officials said the elephant was still adjusting to the ways of Thai mahouts, people who work with elephants, and the Thai language. They believe it will be a long learning phase for the elephant, now that his Sri Lankan mahout, has left Thailand. Meanwhile, veterinarians are keeping a close eye on the elephant while helping it with pain from its hip wound said on Sunday the elephant tested negative for six communicable diseases common among pachyderms during its first seven days of quarantine.
The vet added that the animal appeared to be in good health and in a good mood. He had been showing a good appetite, consuming up to 200kg of fresh grass, fruit and salt daily.