Siam Is Sick

On May 17th Siam was seen face down in the mud. She fell down and could not get up again. Her face lay in the mud and her front legs stuck under her body. The park crane arrived and, after some effort, lifted her up and placed her under one of our shelters. She has been there ever since, supported by a chain and harness under her belly.

Siam in her healthier days which we hope she will soon return to.

Many vets have visited and there have been several diagnoses. The first vet to arrive placed her on an IV drip. She was given 15 bags of IV fluid while she was still lying down. She has also been given many doses of antibiotics to treat her chronic feet infections. The first vet team gave her a 50% chance of survival, then left and never came back. After the IV, she has terrible swelling in her legs, belly, and vagina. Lek has been treating the swelling with traditional herbal medicines and by applying anti-inflammation creams. These creams, alone, are costing Lek over US$200 per day and this does not include other medicines or vets bills.

Siam is starting to look better. The swelling in her legs has gone down, and other areas are improving. She has been eating well but still is not drinking enough water. We have erected a new frame to support all of her weight, and outfitted it with an industrial pulley. This, we hope, can be used to raise and lower her body. Once we can do this she can be allowed to fully lie down. We will use the pulley system to get her back on her feet again. She has not been able to lie down through this whole ordeal and, therefore, has not been able to sleep properly.

We deeply appreciate the support messages and help received from our supporters around the world.

** Read about Siam and our elephant herd here!

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