AKP Phnom Penh, April 26, 2026 --

Chhouk, Cambodia’s well-known elephant who survived a life-threatening snare injury nearly two decades ago, has taken another hopeful step forward after receiving a new prosthetic leg.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, the elephant was fitted with the new prosthetic limb on April 25 at Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre, where Chhouk has lived since being rescued in 2007.

Once a young elephant on the verge of death after losing part of a leg to a trap in the forest, Chhouk has since become a symbol of resilience and wildlife care in Cambodia.

The new prosthetic leg was made possible through a royal donation from Her Majesty Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk, who provided US$2,000 to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries to support its production.

The replacement limb is expected to improve Chhouk’s mobility and comfort.

The Ministry said caring for Chhouk and helping the elephant regain normal movement has been a joint effort involving the Forestry and Wildlife General Department under the Ministry of Agriculture, Wildlife Alliance, and dedicated caretakers who remain with the animal day and night.

Authorities also called on the public to continue supporting wildlife conservation efforts and animal care programmes at Phnom Tamao, helping ensure the long-term sustainability of Cambodia’s wildlife resources.

By C. Nika