Death threats on elephant, keeper

Death threats on elephant, keeper

BANGKOK (AP): Motola the elephant drew sympathy and donations from around the world after being maimed by a landmine. Now, she's getting threats on her life, her keeper said on Sunday.

"I get telephone calls from people saying they want Motola dead," said Soraida Salwala, founder of the world's first elephant hospital, where Motola's mangled left foot was amputated in August, 1999.

Soraida, who has received threats on her own life, believes they come from elephant traders and other Thai animal welfare organizations jealous of the donations and publicity Motola's plight has elicited.

Motola made headlines when she was saved from death by bone specialists and surgeons who cut away 26 centimeters (12 inches) of her shredded foot. It was the first surgery of its kind in Thailand.

In what Soraida believes was an attempt on the elephant's life, three deadly king cobras were released near Motola and along a path she normally uses, the keeper said, adding that no cobras had ever been sighted in the area before.