PUTRAJAYA: The tusk treatment process for an elephant named Kelat was carried out in accordance with veterinary procedures and based on clinical assessment with priority given to the animal’s welfare, according to the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan).
“The procedure was conducted in a controlled manner using approaches that minimise physiological stress on the wildlife.
“Continuous monitoring is also being carried out to ensure optimal recovery and the long-term well-being of the elephant,” it said in a statement.
On the treatment procedure, Perhilitan said while trimming was performed on Kelat’s damaged left tusk, trimming was also done on the elephant’s right tusk.
This was done as a balancing measure to prevent structural imbalance that could place stress on the head and jaw, the department explained.
Kelat and two other elephants, Dara and Amoi, were relocated from Taiping Zoo & Night Safari to Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan, on March 11.
