Digital Desk, Read: 15-month-old female elephant 'Maya', born at the sanctuary (Kapikad) camp in Kerala, has been transferred to the specialized intensive care center of 'Vantara' in Jamnagar, Gujarat for better and advanced medical care. Kerala Forest Department officials and veterinarians have given him round-the-clock care for one and a half years ever since he was released by the herd at the time of birth. This step has been taken after the advice of experts and the decision of the medical board if the health condition is serious.
The forest department was responsible for Maya's care since birth.
Maya was abandoned by her herd soon after birth about 15 months ago, after which she was brought to Abhayaranyam Camp. From then till now, the forest officials and caretakers of the camp have looked after him with full devotion. Due to falling in an accident in July 2026, Maya was not able to support the weight on her legs. Due to lying down for a long time, his physical condition continued to weaken. The Forest Department had constituted a special medical board for his treatment and he was undergoing continuous treatment under the supervision of the Assistant Forest Veterinary Officer.
The decision of airlift was taken after joint investigation of experts
For large wildlife like elephants, not being able to stand or lie down for long periods of time poses serious risks, affecting their digestive system, respiratory tract and muscles. As the situation did not improve, the forest department contacted 'Vantara', a well-known institute for rehabilitation and advanced care of elephants in the country.
On October 24, 2026, Vantara's team reached the sanctuary and jointly examined Maya's health with forest department doctors. After both parties agreed, it was decided that Maya should be shifted to Vantara's state-of-the-art medical facilities so that she could get a better chance of life.
Airlift from Kochi to Jamnagar, medical team leaves with it
Maya has been sent from Kochi Airport to Vantara, Jamnagar via special airlift. To ensure that there is no inconvenience during the journey, Vantara's veterinarian, para-veterinary staff, medical board members of Kerala Forest Department and familiar caretakers are traveling with him. At Vantara, he will receive state-of-the-art medical monitoring, pain management and specialized equipment. After completion of the treatment he will be brought back to the sanctuary.
Maya's early life
19 April 2025: Found separated from the herd and abandoned while crossing the river near Kapikad in Malayattoor division. The newborn girl was very weak and dehydrated.
Rearing: He was brought to the sanctuary on the instructions of the Chief Wildlife Warden after his mother did not return. Assistant Forest Veterinary Officer Dr. Binoy C. Babu, his team and caretaker Nikhil Babu took constant care of him for the last one and a half years.
Injury, bone disease and recommendation of euthanasia
2 July 2026Maya got injured in her right shoulder by slipping while playing. Despite physiotherapy and supplements, her condition deteriorated and by the end of October she was unable to stand.
24 October 2026: Dr. Dinesh PT of Veterinary College Pookod. Examination conducted by the Department of Health found a fracture of the left humerus, multiple fractures of the right radius, extreme thinning of the bones, chest infection and pressure sores caused by continuous lying down.
29 October 2026: The medical board expressed suspicion of some congenital defect due to extremely weak bones. Considering his condition and to save him from further pain, the board recommended euthanasia.
'One last chance for treatment at 'Vantara'
The Chief Wildlife Warden of Kerala consulted renowned experts of the country before taking the final decision.
1 November 2026: Video consultation was held with Vantara's veterinary team, in which Maya's X-ray and blood reports were shared.
4 November 2026: The Medical Board meeting was held with renowned elephant expert of Assam and Padma Shri Dr. Kushal Kunwar Sarma (Veterinary Advisor of Vantara) and Dr. Yaduraj Kharpekar, Head Veterinary Officer of Vantara.
Experts' Opinion: Dr. Sarma expressed the possibility of parathyroid disorder, the treatment of which may be possible. He recommended one more chance of treatment in Vantara's state-of-the-art facilities before taking the final step of euthanasia, to which the Medical Board unanimously agreed.
Travel and medical arrangements
Airlift and Medical Team: Maya is being taken to Jamnagar via airlift equipped with life support system, essential medicines and emergency equipment.
Presence of Kerala Forest Department: Vantara's three doctors and para-veterinary staff along with Sanctuary's Dr. Binoy C. Babu and Caretaker Mr. Nikhil Babu will be with Maya throughout her stay, so that she has the company of a familiar face.
State-of-the-art facilities: At Vantara he will get facilities like 24-hour veterinary monitoring, hydraulic lifting system, pain management and hydrotherapy if necessary.
Care and Returns: The 'Kerala Monitoring Committee' headed by the Conservator of Forests, Social Forestry (Central Region) will review the progress of Maya's treatment. After the treatment is completed, Vantara will make arrangements to send him back to the sanctuary.
Also read:-
Kanpur News: After the departure of the female elephant, the mood of the elephant changed, Kanpur team rescued the uncontrollable elephant in Ramnagar.