Nature: 1st successful elephant tusk extraction surgery at Kulen Elephant Forest

Kulen Elephant Forest, in close collaboration with Wildlife Alliance, has performed the first tusk removal surgery on an elephant in Cambodia, marking a major step forward in veterinary wildlife care.

This complex and vital operation was performed on Chi Chlorb, a 45-year-old female elephant, in a specially built bush hospital at Kulen Elephant Forest

Without treatment, the tusk infection could have worsened, causing pain and long-term health risks.

“This is a historic moment for elephant care in Cambodia,” said David Jaya Piot, co-founder of Kulen Elephant Forest.

"We are incredibly proud to have worked alongside Wildlife Alliance and a world-class team of veterinary specialists to achieve this pioneering operation. Our gratitude goes to everyone involved, especially Chi Chlorb for his strength and resilience."

Chi Chlorb's operation represents a veterinary milestone for Cambodia: it is the first operation of its kind ever performed in the country. To minimize stress and ensure the best results for the elephant, a complete operating suite was set up on site in the forest, allowing Chi Chlorb to remain in a familiar and supportive environment.

“Performing such a delicate operation in an isolated forest represents a major technical and logistical challenge,” said Dr Navaneetha Roopan of Wildlife Alliance.

"This success would not have been possible without the extraordinary collaboration between Wildlife Alliance, Kulen Elephant Forest and our international veterinary partners. It demonstrates Cambodia's growing capacity to provide world-class wildlife care."

Chi Chlorb has lived at Kulen Elephant Forest since its inception, enjoying a peaceful and dignified retirement. Earlier this year, her caretakers identified signs of a problematic tusk, leading to the decision to proceed with surgery.

Wildlife Alliance assembled and coordinated the specialist team, with experts from South Africa, India, Singapore and Thailand.

“Chi Chlorb is recovering well and is already showing promising signs of strength,” added David Jaya Piot. “We are honored to have been involved in this premiere for Cambodia, and look forward to sharing his journey with the public as he recovers.”

Kulen Elephant Forest will continue to provide updates on Chi Chlorb's progress via its official social media channels. The park hopes this historic operation will help raise awareness of elephants' medical needs and inspire further collaborations to advance animal welfare in Cambodia and beyond.

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The multidisciplinary international surgical team included:

Dr Navaneetha Roopan, Wildlife Alliance - Planning and surgical team manager

Dr Yohindrau Balakrishna, Wildlife Alliance - Executive Assistant

Dr Gerhard Steenkamp, VetDent International, University of Pretoria - Veterinary Maxillofacial Surgeon

Dr Adrian Tordiffe, Vantara, University of Pretoria - Anaesthetist

Dr Teerapol Sathaporn, Sriprajun Animal Hospital - X-ray supervisor

Dr Teerapol Chinkangsadarn DVM PhD DTVBS, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chulalongkorn University - Veterinary Dental Assistant

Dr Ali Anwar - Assistant anesthetist

Mr Ory Leav and Mr Chea Sambann - Elephant management and logistics