Working elephants – getting off on the right foot

The largest male elephant in the camp, called Tin Hla Ma, was brought to see the team as he was lame. Dr Zaw Min Oo inspected the animal and saw a crack in his nail, which had become infected. If elephants’ nails are not trimmed regularly, they can wear unevenly and this can create pressure points. Eventually, this can lead to the weakening and cracking of the nail, and there is an increased risk of infection, as had happened in Tin’s case.

The team got to work immediately, giving Tin pain relief tomake him more comfortable. They then tackled the infected area, flushing clean the fluid and disinfecting the nail, before providing antibiotics to treat the infection. Over the next five days, Tin would require medication and nail cleaning on a daily basis. After this time, the nail would be sealed with Stockholm tar to waterproof and protect the damaged area.