Elephant Lucky died of pyometra, Phnom Tamao centre says

Phnom Tamao Zoological Park, Protected Forest and Botanical Garden, under the Forestry Administration, said a necropsy and sample tests confirmed by the Pasteur Institute showed that the elephant Lucky died of pyometra on August 24, 2025. The centre explained that changes in progesterone and thickening of the uterine lining during the reproductive cycle can create conditions for Escherichia coli or Enterococcus faecium to grow. These bacteria can enter through the cervix and multiply in the uterus, leading to pus accumulation, severe inflammation and potentially bloodstream infection. E. coli and E. faecium found in Lucky’s uterus were highly resistant to amoxicillin–clavulanate, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin and ten other antibiotics. The centre said antibiotics could not penetrate the uterus sufficiently to eliminate the highly resistant bacteria, making Lucky difficult to save. It described surgical removal of the uterus as generally the only effective option and said it is practicable in small animals such as dogs and cats, while surgery on elephants is highly complex and has a very low chance of success. The centre hopes the case will raise awareness of the complexity of wildlife health care and encourage wider support for conservation and care at Phnom Tamao. Preah Sihanouk Provincial Television reporter: ចិន្តា ទីទិ