Progress in medicine has benefited not only humans but animal health as well. Recently, animal prostheses have drawn interest due to their contribution to wildlife rehabilitation. In Cambodia, a male Asian elephant named Chhouk, who lives under the care of the Wildlife Alliance conservation organization, roams around with a 44-pound prosthetic foot.
Shedding Hope for the Asian Elephant
In 2007, Chhouk was rescued by the organization after he was found weak and alone in a forest in the country's northeast region. He got trapped in a poacher's snare, which resulted in a deeply infected wound. Since the elephant was ill and immobile, the rescuers decided to stay with him in the forest for two weeks.
The rescuers gained Chhouk's trust, and they were able to transport him back to the rescue center. Although the animal's wounds were treated, part of his lower left foreleg must be amputated.
It will be tough for a multi-ton animal to walk with one leg shorter than the other. Fortunately, the Cambodian School of Prosthetics and Orthotics (CSPO) stepped in, providing Chhouk with a prosthetic leg made of recycled car tires and tow truck straps to tie it up.
Like a growing human, Chhouk outgrows and wears out his prosthetic foot regularly. This means he needs two or three prosthetic feet yearly, which can cost a lot for Wildlife Alliance.
Various organizations have offered to help fund this project. The International Wildlife Coalition Trust (IWCT) donated 5,000 pounds to support the financial requirements to make new Chhouk prosthetics. The Paradise Wildlife Park in the UK also donates annual funds worth $1,450. These funds were used to help the elephant receive a new prosthetic every six months to allow him to easily walk, swim, and run.
READ ALSO: Asian Elephant Receives Prosthetic Limb After Losing Foot in Snare Trap
New Purpose for a Rescued Animal
From being an orphan elephant rescued from the Srepok Wilderness Area in Mondulkiri, Chhouk has shown great improvement. Chhouk is now 15 years old, and his prosthetic legs will be consistently replaced until he reaches the age of 20 to 25 since there is more room for him to grow.
Paradise Wildlife Park and Big Cat Sanctuary owner Cam Whitnall confirm that the level of care received by Chhouk is brilliant, and he has a better life now. Upon visiting the park in Cambodia, Whitnall discovered the exceptional setup for Chhouk. Keepers use positive reinforcement training to reward Chhouk for cooperating during the shoe-changing process. The elephant associates the training with a reward and a positive experience by receiving treats such as coconut.
Chhouk also shares an enclosure with Lucky, another Asian elephant rescued by staff from Phnom Tamao and now serves as his adopted big sister. Through social media, animal keepers from Paradise Wildlife Park continue to share Chhouk's story along with the support and dedication from Wildlife Rescue Alliance.
Today, Chhouk lives in the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center, where he serves as an animal ambassador to local residents and tourists. Through his story, visitors learn about the life of Asian Elephants in Cambodia and encourage them to participate in conservation projects for animals.
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