A continuación los informes del Zoológico Metropolitano (Chile), Ariel Zabala (EAR, Argentina) y las recomendaciones de Mel Richardson (Universidad de Georgia, USA), Scott Blais ( Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee)
Mel Richardson
(Veterinario Universidad de Georgia)
" She is too thin. I spoke to the Director and the Veterinarian, as well as the keeper of Frida and recommended she be given all of the grass hay she can eat, no limits. I also discussed feeding her Mazuri Elephant pellets, they are available in Chile because the Santiago Zoo uses them. I would also over her fresh vegetables and fruits to stimulate appetite.
Frida and Ramba have supplemental heat. They should be together or we will lose both.
Scott Blais
(Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee)
The white from the pictures appears to be in areas of prominence, where the bones underneath the skin are either rubbing on the ground or where she is lying down.
These marks are very common, the only concern that could result for this is if she is laying down more frequently or for longer periods of time. If that is the case this could signify deteriorating energy or strength and you would also start to see small sores develop on the pressure spots of her cheek, shoulder and hip, not discoloration but small areas where the skin will actually start to crack open, possibly bleed or develop small infections. If these start to appear, then a change in substrate could help be remedy the sores by alleviating the pressure when laying on hard surfaces but her condition, diet and appetite should also be examined.
I looked at all of the photos that Dr. Mel took in May,. Frida has significant muscle loss and appears to have degeneration in her joints, both cause us to be very concerned for her longevity. Frida needs immediate and thorough veterinary care.
