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Elephant Erin learns to live with severed trunk
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Erin the elephant, found two years ago with a severed trunk, is getting healthier and adapting to its condition. (Ministry of Environment and Forestry/-)
An elephant found in a poacher’s trap with a severed trunk is said to be adapting to its condition.
According to The Straits Times, Erin was discovered in July 2016 at two years of age in the Susukan Baru area of Lampung, within the Way Kambas National Park.
The mammal had been in an overall weak state when rescued and had been suffering from pinworm in its intestine. It is believed that the tip of its trunk was severed when it fell into a trap.
On Friday, Dr. Diah Esti Anggraini at the Rubini Atmawidjaja Elephant Hospital in Lampung said that in time the elephant would adapt to its trunk for its feeding needs.
Read also: Wild elephant gives birth in wildlife reserve in Riau
She added that trunks to elephants were like hands and noses to humans, yet the state of Erin’s trunk would not affect its health and feeding activity.
As quoted by Antara, Dr. Diah said Erin was able to reach grass on the ground by bending her front limbs. She stated that she was not worried with regard to Erin’s feeding habit, as elephants eat more than 200 types of food in nature, including the bark of trees, roots and leaves.
Erin’s trunk, which currently measures 75 centimeters in length, is believed to be functioning properly with regard to breathing, reaching food, blowing, pushing and drinking.
“Her condition is better than before,” said Dr. Diah, adding that Erin was in constant care of the park’s rangers and was getting additional food. (wng)
