Elephant calf airlifted from Keralam to Vantara for life-saving treatment

Maya, an elephant calf found alone as a newborn on a riverbank 18 months ago, was airlifted from Keralam to Vantara's hospital in Jamnagar on Nov 5, after fractures in both front legs left her unable to stand.Acting on an initiative by RIL exec director and Vantara founder Anant Ambani, the organisation deployed a specialised veterinary team following a transfer order from Keralam's chief wildlife warden, P Pugazhendi.Found near Kaprikkad on Apr 19, 2025, the weak, dehydrated newborn had not received her mother's milk and couldn't even suckle. Assistant forest veterinary officer Binoy Babu and caregivers fed and nursed her for over a year.In July 2026, Maya slipped while playing and injured her shoulder. Despite physiotherapy, splints & supplements, her bones became increasingly fragile. By Oct, she had front-leg fractures, a chest infection and pressure sores. Her prognosis was grave.

After Kerala's chief wildlife warden sought wider expert opinion, Vantara veterinary adviser Kushal Konwar Sarma identified a possible parathyroid-related disorder that may respond to treatment.

Yaduraj Khadpekar, head veterinarian at Vantara's Elephant Care Centre, concurred, and the medical board unanimously agreed.Maya travelled by a life-support airlift, accompanied by three Vantara elephant veterinarians, paravets and caregivers, along with Binoy C Babu and her familiar caregiver, Nikhil Babu. She will receive round-the-clock monitoring, pain management, advanced diagnostics, hydraulic lifting support and hydrotherapy where appropriate. Vantara - a global wildlife rescue, care, welfare and conservation initiative based in Jamnagar - will facilitate her return to Abhayaranyam after treatment.