Asian elephant Motala receives prosthetic leg ten years after landmine injury
Last updated 24/08/2009 11:53:28
Asian elephant Motala receives prosthetic leg ten years after landmine injury
She lost a leg ten years ago after stepping on a landmine. Now a female Asian elephant is facing a brighter future after being fitted with a prosthetic replacement.
The elephant named Motala, has received the permanent artificial leg at Friends of the Asian Elephant's hospital in Lampang, northern Thailand.
In 1999, Motola underwent amputation surgery after her left front foot was shredded by a land mine blast near a logging camp along the Myanmar-Thai border.
The 48-year-old pachyderm elephant became a symbol of the plight of today's elephants and her injury sparked international sympathy and donations.
"It has been ten years now but all these long years Motala enjoys a happy life," a spokesman said. "Thanks to all concerned, individuals,well wishers and donors, contributors across the country and around the world who keep sending their concern for her."
Experts made a cast of her injured left front leg for a plastic prosthetic limb, ahead of the crucial surgery. The makers, the Prostheses Foundation, also produce artificial limbs for human amputees.
After surgery Motola suffered a setback, damaging the device attached to her front leg. The elephant, who weighs three tons, bent the prothesis from lying down on it. But it was removed for repair and reattached on Saturday.
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