It’s a small positive, but a positive nonetheless – Melbourne Zoo’s sick baby elephant has beaten the odds and been able to stand.
The female calf was born with a rare condition called congenital carpal flexure where two of her feet are curled backwards, leaving her unable to stand or walk.
It’s so rare that it has never been documented in captive elephants, but it is sometimes common in horses.
She has been given constant care and as a result of intensive physiotherapy and casts on her legs, she has been able to stand for short periods of time.
But despite the small victory, the calf is still in a critical condition.
Melbourne Zoo’s head veterinarian Dr Michael Lynch says it’s been difficult feeding her.
“It’s very difficult to raise these Asian elephant calves and keep them in a good nutritional balance. She’s actually gotten a little weaker over this time and that’s our problem now. Whilst we’ve fixed the legs, we have a calf that’s quite weak and we’ve got to get her moving around again so she can eventually get back with her mother,” he said.
But the little elephant is still fighting.
“She’s a real fighter, she really wants to get up and we’re encouraging her in those efforts,” said Mr Lynch.
The bond between the baby and her mum Num-Oi (pictured above) is said to be going well.
“Twice a day she’s spending time with her mother, just through a fence, and they’re both showing interest in each other and that’s really important to have that bond,” says Mr Lynch.
Let’s hope the little baby makes a speedy recovery.
