Born in Sri Lanka around 1975, Asian elephant Shanthi developed arthritis in her front-left leg more than a decade ago. While there is no cure for arthritis, there are ways to alleviate the symptoms, and our animal care experts have focused on her comfort. We'll be posting the latest information on Shanthi's health and taking you behind the scenes of her care.

July 6

May 26, 2016

Our team continues to treat Asian elephant Shanthi's infection caused by arthritis' impact on her feet. She has had some improvements in her flexibility, and her feet and nails are looking better. Arthritis is a chronic disease that is not curable regardless of the species. Shanthi's care includes joint treatments, administering topical treatments such as antibiotics and disinfectants, administering anti-inflammatories, and exercising her joints.

April 28, 2016

We’ve had some indications that our animal care staff’s treatments have been helping Asian elephant Shanthi. She has had some improvements in her flexibility and her feet and nails are looking better. Although signs like this are encouraging, arthritis is a chronic disease regardless of the species and is not curable. Our team continues to treat Shanthi’s infection caused by the arthritis’ impact on her feet. Her care includes administering topical treatments such as antibiotics and disinfectants, exercising her joints and administering anti-inflammatories and joint treatments.

April 8, 2016

February 26, 2016

Veterinarians radiographed Asian elephant Shanthi's foot recently to evaluate the progression of her arthritis and infection. The radiograph image revealed that the infection was localized and had not spread to her bones. Our team was pleased about that news but remains vigilant about her care. They are treating the serious infection topically with antimicrobials and disinfectants. To minimize the impact of the disease, the team helps her exercise her joints and administers anti-inflammatories. Watch the elephant team evaluate Shanthi.

February 17, 2016