Aryan Arun , Nov 9 (Kochi)
In a heartwarming demonstration of compassion and commitment to animal welfare, Anant Ambani, founder of the Vantara wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre in Gujarat, has extended a lifeline to Maya, an 18-month-old elephant calf from Kerala whose deteriorating health had prompted veterinary experts to recommend euthanasia.
The young elephant, suffering from a severe bone disorder and multiple fractures, was airlifted from Kochi to Vantara’s specialised veterinary facility in Jamnagar on November 6, offering renewed hope for a life that had appeared to be nearing its end.
The extraordinary rescue effort, undertaken in coordination with the Kerala Forest Department, reflects Anant Ambani’s commitment to protecting vulnerable animals and ensuring that even critically ill creatures receive an opportunity for recovery. Vantara has undertaken to bear the entire cost of Maya’s transportation, treatment and rehabilitation.
Maya’s struggle began almost immediately after birth. Found abandoned by her herd near Kaprikkad in Ernakulam district on April 19, 2025, the severely dehydrated newborn was rescued by Forest Department personnel and brought to Abhayaranyam, the wildlife rehabilitation centre at Kodanad.
There, veterinarians and mahouts painstakingly nursed her, providing milk, nutritional supplements and constant attention. Over time, Maya developed a close bond with her caregivers, who became her surrogate family.
However, tragedy struck on July 2, 2026, when Maya slipped while playing and injured her shoulder. Her condition progressively worsened as an underlying bone disorder caused multiple fractures and severely weakened her limbs.
Despite intensive veterinary attention, physiotherapy and nutritional supplementation, Maya eventually became unable to stand. Further examinations revealed extensive bone thinning, a chest infection and pressure sores.
With conventional treatment offering little improvement, a veterinary medical board recommended euthanasia to prevent prolonged suffering.
But Kerala’s Chief Wildlife Warden, Dr P. Pugazhendi, sought additional expert opinions before accepting the irreversible decision.
Consultations with renowned elephant veterinarian Dr Kushal Konwar Sarma and specialists associated with Vantara identified a possible parathyroid-related disorder that might respond to advanced treatment.
What followed was a remarkable humanitarian effort.
Vantara arranged a specially equipped chartered aircraft, veterinary personnel and medical support systems to transport Maya safely from Kochi to Gujarat. Airport authorities provided dedicated logistical arrangements, while doctors monitored her condition throughout the journey.
Recognising the importance of emotional reassurance, the rescue team ensured that Maya’s familiar caregiver, Nikhil Babu, accompanied her. Veterinary officer Dr Binoy C. Babu also travelled with the calf.
At Vantara, Maya is expected to receive round-the-clock intensive care, advanced diagnostic evaluation, pain management and specialised rehabilitation, including hydraulic lifting support and hydrotherapy where medically appropriate.
A treatment programme extending at least six months has been proposed, although her recovery remains uncertain.
For Anant Ambani, whose Vantara initiative emphasises Jeev Seva, or service to living beings, Maya’s rescue represents a philosophy that places compassion at the centre of wildlife conservation.
For Kerala’s forest officials and the caregivers who raised her, the hope is simple: that Maya will recover sufficiently to return to Abhayaranyam.
Her survival is far from assured. Yet, through the combined efforts of Vantara and Kerala’s wildlife authorities, a helpless elephant calf once facing death has been given something invaluable — another chance at life.
