Taipei City Zoo (台北市立動物園) veterinarians yesterday said that they will not rule out euthanasia as a means to ending the suffering for Malan (馬蘭), the zoo's star elephant, if her illness continues to worsen.
Malan, long-time companion of the zoo's famous senior elephant Lin Wang (
"We hope for the best." Chao Ming-chieh (
"However, if Malan's physical state continues to deteriorate, euthanasia would be a difficult decision we have to make."
According to Chao, Malan has been showing signs of ill health since late 1999.
The outer toenail on Malan's right fore foot became cracked and developed a wound. Despite several treatments, it has failed to heal.
Tell-tale sign
Malan's fall on Saturday showed the seriousness of her physical state, Chao said.
"We see little chance that Malan would recover and stand on her own feet again," he added.
Chao said Malan is under around-the-clock intensive care and has her body turned every once in a while by the zoo's veterinarians and handlers to prevent her inner organs from being squashed by her weight, which is approximately 2,900kg.
"Although Malan is still conscious and her blood tests, body temperature and breathing come out as normal when we conduct the medical check on her every 15 minutes along with injection of anodyne," said Chao. "The overall function of her muscles and inner organs, however, are showing signs of continuing deterioration."
Noting such, Chao said that the zoo is currently contemplating the option of euthanasia to help reduce Malan's suffering if her illness of about three years continues to worsen.
Well-wishers, children for the most part, tried to catch a glance of the ailing mammal and brought yellow ribbons with prayer dedications written on them for Malan.
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