Aussie Vet Helps Give Prosthetic Limbs To Elephants Injured By Landmines

An Australian veterinarian has opened up about her work in helping elephants injured by landmines.

The wartime weapon is still very much a threat in parts of the world and Thailand is no exception.

Dr Chloe Buiting looks after all sorts of animals in the south-east Asian country, however it's her impressive work with elephants that has captured the world's attention.

The woman, who is known online as the Jungle Doctor, has been helping the majestic animals who have become accidental victims near the Thailand-Myanmar border.

She attached herself to the Friends of the Asian Elephant (FAE) group in Chang Mai three years ago, with the group assisting elephants in the country since 1993.

Dr Buiting uploaded a video of an elephant walking around with a prosthetic and she explained how the FAE run the world's first elephant hospital.

"There is a prosthetics factory on site, and it is here that an amazing team of people design, build and fit prosthetic legs to elephants who have lost theirs to some of the many landmines that remain scattered along the borders of northern Thailand.

"It was this experience that really ignited my interest in prosthetics, seeing first-hand how much a prosthetic leg - or flipper, shell or tail for that matter - can forever change the life of an animal."

She explained how the elephants only get to wear their false leg during the day and it's removed at night before they go to sleep.

The Aussie vet also told 7News how much of a game changer it can be when the elephant gets to walk properly again.

"The leg is first coated in talcum powder before a protective sock is applied. Then, the padded prosthetic is fitted to the site, adjusted and tightened with a ratchet system," she said.

"It gives the elephants quality of life that they otherwise wouldn't be able to have."

Chloe's work has taken her all over the world and she's also treated animals in Africa, which she describes as a rewarding experience to help combat the effects of poaching.

She's praised the team at the Friends of the Asian Elephant in their priceless work in helping the huge animals have a new lease on life.

Topics: Animals, Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie