An 18-month-old elephant calf from Kerala, whose deteriorating health had raised concerns about her survival, has been airlifted to Anant Ambani’s Vantara animal rescue and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, for specialised medical treatment. Maya, who had been unable to stand following multiple fractures and severe bone deterioration, is now receiving another opportunity to recover after veterinary experts explored treatment options beyond euthanasia.
The transfer took place on November 6 following intervention by Vantara and approval from Kerala’s Forest Department. The decision came after a medical board had recommended euthanasia, citing the calf’s critical condition and limited prospects of recovery. However, a second medical opinion from elephant health specialists identified a possible underlying disorder that could respond to treatment.
The case has drawn attention to the efforts of forest officials, veterinarians and animal caregivers who have looked after Maya since she was rescued as a newborn.
Maya was found abandoned near Kaprikkad in the Malayattoor forest division of Ernakulam district on April 19, 2025. Her herd had crossed a river, leaving the newborn calf behind. When forest personnel discovered her, she was severely dehydrated, weak and unable to suckle.
The forest department brought her to Abhayaranyam, the wildlife rescue and rehabilitation facility at Kodanad, where she received round-the-clock attention. Veterinarians and caregivers took responsibility for feeding and nursing her. Assistant Forest Veterinary Officer Dr Binoy C Babu and her mahout, Nikhil Babu, were among those who helped raise the calf.
Despite her difficult beginning, Maya gradually grew under their care. However, her health took a serious turn on July 2, 2026, when she reportedly slipped while playing and injured her right shoulder.
What initially appeared to be an injury became a much more complicated medical problem. Maya’s bones were extremely fragile, and her condition continued to worsen despite treatment. The forest department arranged physiotherapy, splints and nutritional supplements, including calcium and vitamin D, in an effort to strengthen her bones and help her regain mobility.
The treatment, however, did not produce the expected improvement. Her inability to stand eventually placed additional pressure on her limbs, resulting in further injuries. By the end of October, she had become bedridden and was accepting only liquid food.
A detailed veterinary examination conducted on October 24 revealed multiple fractures, generalised bone thinning, a chest infection and pressure sores caused by prolonged immobility. Medical findings included a fracture in the left humerus and multiple fractures in the right radius. The extent of bone deterioration made her recovery particularly challenging.
Following an assessment of her condition, a medical board recommended euthanasia on October 29, considering the severity of her injuries and the possibility of prolonged suffering.
However, Kerala’s senior forest officials decided to explore whether specialised veterinary treatment could offer Maya another chance. They sought an expert opinion from Padma Shri award-winning elephant veterinarian Dr Kushal Konwar Sarma, who is also associated with Vantara as a veterinary adviser.
During consultations on November 4, the specialist identified a possible parathyroid-related disorder that could be contributing to Maya’s deteriorating bone health. The condition raised the possibility that her medical problems might be treatable with appropriate intervention. Vantara’s head veterinarian, Dr Yaduraj Khadpekar, also supported shifting the calf to its specialised facility for further assessment and intensive care.
Following these consultations, Kerala Chief Wildlife Warden Dr P Pugazhendi issued the necessary transfer order on November 5, allowing Maya to be moved to Vantara.
The transfer required careful planning because Maya was unable to stand or move independently. A specially designed bed and transport cage were prepared to support her during the journey. She was lifted with the help of a forklift and a team of personnel before being moved from Abhayaranyam to Cochin International Airport.
A chartered aircraft transported the calf from Kochi to Gujarat. Veterinary professionals from Vantara accompanied her throughout the journey to monitor her condition. Dr Binoy C Babu and her familiar caregiver Nikhil Babu also travelled with her to ensure she remained comfortable. Having familiar people around her was considered important, given the difficult circumstances and the long journey.
Vantara has arranged specialised facilities for Maya’s treatment, including intensive care, continuous veterinary monitoring, pain management and advanced diagnostic support. The centre also has hydraulic lifting equipment that can help support animals that are unable to stand. Hydrotherapy may also be considered as part of her rehabilitation, depending on her medical condition.
The proposed treatment programme could extend to six months. Veterinary experts are also exploring advanced treatment possibilities, including hormone and gene therapy, depending on the findings of further examinations. The immediate priority will be to stabilise her condition, manage her injuries and determine the underlying cause of her severe bone weakness.
Vantara will bear the expenses associated with Maya’s treatment and transportation. A monitoring committee appointed by the Kerala Forest Department will review her medical progress. The state government will continue to retain responsibility for her care, while Vantara will provide the specialised treatment and facilities required during her stay.
If Maya responds positively to treatment and regains her strength, arrangements will be made to bring her back to Abhayaranyam in Kerala. Her familiar caregiver is expected to remain with her during the treatment period and help with her rehabilitation.
Founded by Anant Ambani, Vantara is an animal rescue, treatment and rehabilitation facility in Jamnagar. The centre houses specialised veterinary infrastructure and teams working in wildlife healthcare, including elephant care. Its involvement in Maya’s case has brought renewed attention to the role of specialised facilities in treating critically ill and injured wild animals.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether Maya can overcome her medical complications, regain the ability to stand and eventually return to the forest facility that has been her home since infancy.
