In a landmark achievement for wildlife care in Cambodia, the country’s first-ever surgical extraction of an impacted elephant tusk has been successfully completed at Kulen Elephant Forest, in collaboration with Wildlife Alliance.
The complex procedure was performed on Chi Chlorb, a 45-year-old female elephant and long-time resident of the Kulen sanctuary.
Conducted in a specially constructed field hospital within the forest, the surgery marked a major veterinary milestone for the nation. If left untreated, the impacted tusk could have caused serious infection, severe pain and long-term health issues.
“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 perform this pioneering surgery. Our gratitude goes out to every person involved — especially Chi Chlorb for her strength and resilience,” he added.
Situated on the edge of Phnom Kulen National Park in Siem Reap province, Kulen Elephant Forest is a sanctuary offering a peaceful, natural habitat for retired elephants. The initiative promotes ethical elephant experiences and conservation education.
The operation required careful coordination and advanced planning, with specialists flying in from South Africa, India, Thailand and Singapore.
The international surgical team included:
- Dr. Navaneetha Roopan, Wildlife Alliance – Surgical Team Leader
- Dr. Yohindrau Balakrishna, Wildlife Alliance – Assistant Leader
- Dr. Gerhard Steenkamp, VetDent International, University of Pretoria – Veterinary Maxillofacial Surgeon
- Dr. Adrian Tordiffe, Vantara, University of Pretoria – Anesthetist
- Dr. Teerapol Sathaporn, Sriprajun Animal Hospital – X-ray Provider
- Dr. Teerapol Chinkangsadarn, Chulalongkorn University – Assistant Veterinary Dentist
- Dr. Ali Anwar – Assisting Anesthetist
- Mr. Oly Leav and Mr. Chea Sambann – Elephant Management and Logistics
To minimise stress and support recovery, a surgical theatre was built on-site, allowing Chi Chlorb to remain in a familiar forest environment.
“Performing such a delicate and critical surgery in a remote forest setting was a remarkable challenge,” said Roopan.
“But through the dedication of all involved, we have demonstrated Cambodia’s growing capability for advanced wildlife veterinary care,” he added.
Chi Chlorb’s tusk problem was first identified by her caregivers earlier this year.
The condition prompted Wildlife Alliance to rapidly assemble a specialised team to undertake the delicate procedure.
Her recovery is now underway, with caretakers reporting positive early signs of strength.
“We are honoured to have contributed to this groundbreaking surgery,” added Piot.
“Chi Chlorb continues to inspire us, and we look forward to sharing her healing journey with the public,” he continued.
Wildlife Alliance is a leading conservation organisation working across Southeast Asia to protect forests and endangered species.
Through anti-poaching initiatives, veterinary programmes and habitat protection, the organisation champions long-term biodiversity conservation.
Kulen Elephant Forest will provide ongoing updates on Chi Chlorb’s progress through its official social media platforms.
The organisation hopes this successful intervention will raise public awareness of the health challenges faced by retired working elephants and inspire greater collaboration in animal welfare across the region.
