Veterinarians are preparing to airlift an Asian elephant, named Muthu Raja, from Sri Lanka back to its home country of Thailand after spending more than two decades at a Buddhist temple. The elephant was given as a gift by the Thai royal family to the Sri Lankan government, who then gifted it to the temple. Activist group Rally for Animal Rights and Environment alleged that the elephant was mistreated and lobbied for its return to Thailand for medical treatment. The temple agreed to transfer the elephant to Sri Lanka’s National Zoological Garden, where it has been receiving treatment and preparation for the airlift. The elephant’s morning routine includes veterinarian check-ups, bathing, and practice getting into the container for the flight. The treatment in Thailand could include hydrotherapy, laser treatment, and acupuncture. The elephant will be accompanied by two vets and three elephant tenders on the flight. The RARE group is also pushing for the release of another elephant at the temple.
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