Water used by the elephants for drinking was evaluated in response to questions raised in previous reports. We collected blood and tissue samples for the US Fish and Wildlife Service DNA databank. A number of health concerns were revealed by physical examination and bloodwork. The internal parasite load is heavy. However, there is no routine worming program and no money for de-worming medications.
Veterinary care is sporadic and supplies are grossly inadequate.
The quality of the diet is questionable and requires further study. Toxic levels of lead and cadmium were found in the drinking water and elephants may be suffering from chronic lead toxicity. Tuberculosis is endemic in the human population in Southeast Asia and captive elephants are at risk. Sumatran Elephant Healthcare and Conservation Program Previous reports and first-hand visits to Sumatra confirm that the problems confronting these elephants cannot be solved by sporadic visits. Continuity of support is essential.