'Muthu Raja' to undergo hydrotherapy in Thailand

by Staff Writer 03-07-2023 | 3:46 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Thai Tusker Muthu Raja who returned to its home-country after two decades in Sri Lanka, will undergo hydrotherapy in Thailand to treat an injury on its left front leg.

Muthu Raja, also known back in its birthplace as Sak Surin, was taken back to Thailand on Sunday (02) in a five hour flight from the Bandaranaike International Airport.

Thailand has stopped sending elephants abroad, Environment Minister Varawut Silpa-archa said, Bangkok's diplomatic missions are checking the condition of elephants already sent overseas.

Muthu Raja was transported to the elephant conservation centre for 30 days in quarantine.

Once at the quarantine centre, Muthu Raja will be moved out of the cage and given another physical check-up. A vet will also draw some blood for analysis, and will then be left to rest.

The Thai government has allocated 19.5 million baht from the Central Fund to finance this repatriation project.