Keralam: A one-and-a-half-year-old elephant calf is set to be transferred from Keralam’s Kodanad Elephant Training Centre to Vantara, a privately owned wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre in Gujarat.
According to forest authorities, the calf suffers from a suspected genetic bone disorder that has left her unable to stand or walk. Euthanasia was initially considered due to her condition, but authorities explored alternative treatment options before deciding to fly her to Vantara for further care.
Reporter World spoke to Kerala’s Chief Wildlife Warden, Dr P Pugazhendi, IFS, who was at the cargo section of Cochin International Airport, overseeing arrangements for the calf’s transfer.
“She was abandoned by the herd and her mother one and a half years ago, and we were all trying to take care of her to the best of our ability. Meanwhile, one day, while playing around, she fell, and a subsequent fracture occurred. After the accident, she couldn’t walk at all and was bedridden. This became a major concern for us.”
It was only after the X-rays were taken that the authorities realised that there were multiple fractures. Other diagnoses revealed that she had some congenital issues related to bone thinning and a chance of getting multiple fractures.
The calf was diagnosed with osteopenia, a condition characterised by lower-than-normal bone mineral density. Similar to osteoporosis in humans, it weakens the bones, making them more vulnerable to fractures.
“We were trying to get her a proper diagnosis and treatment, but unfortunately Keralam lacked such advanced facilities. So we were consulting doctors from Assam and various other states in India, and finally we got a link with Vantara,” said Pugazhendi about the decision to shift the calf.
According to him, Vantara has well-equipped facilities for elephant care. A team of veterinarians from the centre examined the calf, reviewed her medical reports and treatment history, and conducted an independent assessment of her condition.
“They suggested hormonal therapy and other treatments. It was thus that we got convinced that we would give them a chance. As per the initial talks, it is estimated that it would take four to six months of therapy. At Vantara, they have artificial water bodies, elephant water ponds, jacuzzis and so on, which will aid in making the whole medical procedure painless and would make the bone regeneration faster. It is with hope that we are sending her there so that she gets the best treatment and returns to us in good health.”
Why was Vantara chosen?
When asked why Vantara was chosen, Pugazhendi said they had been unable to find other facilities offering the advanced treatment the calf required. “We are not planning to leave her there forever or anything. We are planning to bring her back to Keralam itself,” he added.
“As per the expert panel here, the calf, due to her genetic condition, was suffering continuously from bone-related issues, and there was a suggestion of the extreme step of euthanising her. We were standing at that juncture. As we all look at animal life with human eyes, we were all a bit desperate, and when this option came, we thought we’d take a chance,” Dr Pugazhendi added.
According to PTI reports, the calf, weighing around 125-130 kg, was initially shifted to an ambulance with the help of 10-12 people and a crane from Kodanad to Nedumbassery airport. From there, the calf will be put on a chartered flight along with veterinary experts. A team consisting of a veterinary official, officers of the Forest Department and the mahout who took care of the calf from the initial days would fly along and assist with the treatment.
According to PTI, the Forest Department also formed a committee to monitor the calf’s condition. Vantara had agreed to cover the entire cost of the treatment of the elephant calf.
