Asian elephant Indu to undergo medical procedure at Phoenix Zoo

PHOENIX — One of the Phoenix Zoo’s elephants will hopefully get some answers as to what is causing her health problems soon.

Veterinarians will attempt to identify the cause of 53-year-old female Asian elephant Indu’s abdominal and urinary discomfort, according to a press release.

Dr. Gary West said in a zoo video that Indu was treated for a urinary tract infection but still experienced discomfort.

Vets tried to identify the source of a problem by conducting an ultrasound, but due to Indu’s size, it was not very helpful, he said.

He said possible causes include a large urinary stone or a chronic infection in Indu’s bladder.

West said vets will sedate Indu and use an endoscope to view her bladder.

The zoo said Indu is still on exhibit until the procedure, along with two other senior female elephants: Reba (48) and Sheena (47).

The zoo recently began work on an expanded elephant yard which will allow all three elephants to be viewed at the same time.

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