Veterinary Check-Ups for the Elephants

For about the last month, we’ve been lucky to have Dr. Trish with us at sanctuary, working alongside Dr. Mateus. The two of them have been taking a closer look at all of the girls’ conditions, diets, medications, etc., and doing elephant treatments together while she’s been here.

When the elephants are near the barn, their treatments are often done there. But sometimes the girls are far away or don’t want to come inside, so we meet them where they are and check on them along the fence. Obviously, doing treatments requires getting up close and personal, so it’s important to note that everything is still done through protected contact, with the fence as a barrier between us and the elephants. This provides a layer of safety for the humans and gives the elephants a choice about what is happening.

When Bambi is getting her treatment, sometimes Guille and Maia get curious about what’s going on (or about the nearby bucket of treats), so we typically send someone with Dr. Mateus to help keep the other girls occupied. With another vet in the house and a third person to hang out with Maia, Guille got her feet looked at while Bambi received her treatment. Having an extra set of expert hands certainly has great benefits.

Photo of Dr. Trish with Guillermina and Dr. Mateus with Bambi

Comments(6)

Carol says
October 14, 2024 at 2:05 pm

Taking great care of our “babies”!!!

Thank youuuuuuu!!!!!!
Charlotte Hansen says
October 14, 2024 at 6:34 pm

Nothing but the best for our ladies, right?
Terry says
October 14, 2024 at 11:38 pm

Two Extra- Ordinary souls!!!
Carey says
October 15, 2024 at 10:25 pm

Beautifully planned, esp in that heat and zillions of flys!
Sheila says
October 18, 2024 at 12:28 am

ARE THE VETS ABLE TO GET THE CATARACT OFF BAMBIS EYE.? AS IN SMALL WNIMALS VETS OPERSTE OR CUT THE CATARACT WITH LAZER OFF DOGS OR CATS EYES. JUST WONDERING IF THE VETS GAVE BAMBI A RELAXANT AND S PAIN KILLER THEY COULD MAYBE LASER THE CATARACT OFF AND PUT A SAN8TARY PATCH ON WITH ALOT OF STICKY TAPE SHE COULDNT GET OFF. AFTER A FEW DAYS SHED FORGET IT. MSYBE KEEP HER IN SMALL YARD WITH NO POND DIRT. JUST THINKING. I KNOW RANA HAS A CATARACT ALSO.. I REALLY PRAY THIS ID POSSIBLE
- REPLY
  Kat Blais says
  October 18, 2024 at 10:52 am
  
  we have spoken about this before, only a few elephants have had this done and it requires sedation. at almost 60, Bambi is too much of a sedation risk to do this procedure on her. also, Rana does not have a cataract.

How To Help

Adopt an Elephant

Donate Today

GSE Merchandise

Elephant Wishlists

Blog