A 53-year-old female elephant, Joymoti, rescued after being swept away by floodwaters in Nagaland last month, is being airlifted to Vantara in Jamnagar, Gujarat, for specialised veterinary treatment.
Joymoti was swept away by floodwaters during the second week of July and was later rescued by local communities with the assistance of government agencies. She sustained multiple injuries, including wounds to her forehead, right ear, above the tail, left inner thigh and abdomen.
She also has a deep wound around her external genital area that had become infested with maggots, while her right eye is severely damaged and she is blind in that eye. According to information released by Vantara, Joymoti also suffers from longstanding lameness in her left hind leg following a fracture sustained during logging.
The old injury affects her ability to walk normally and access food and water, adding to the difficulties arising from her recent injuries.
Following her rescue, Joymoti received first aid and primary veterinary care locally, including wound dressing, medication, nutritional supplements and supportive treatment. However, Vantara said her age, multiple injuries and existing mobility problems necessitated treatment at a specialised elephant hospital.
She is being transported by air instead of undertaking a long-distance road journey, with Vantara stating that the shorter travel time would reduce the physical strain on the injured elephant.
Upon arrival at the facility, Joymoti is expected to undergo a comprehensive veterinary assessment and receive treatment for her wounds and eye condition, along with nutritional and supportive care.
Vantara said transporting an elephant by air for intensive hospital care is a first-of-its-kind undertaking in India and requires extensive veterinary and logistical preparation. The organisation said Joymoti’s health and safety are being monitored through the preparation, loading, flight and arrival process.
The transfer is for medical treatment and is not a permanent relocation, Vantara said.
Joymoti’s case has also highlighted the need for specialised wildlife veterinary facilities closer to areas where elephants are affected by floods, human-wildlife conflict and other emergencies.
Vantara has proposed setting up three wildlife veterinary care centres in Assam, including a dedicated facility for elephants. According to the organisation, the proposed centres would provide species-specific facilities and veterinary support and would be operated independently by the Assam Forest Department.
The proposed facilities are intended to strengthen local capacity for wildlife emergency care and reduce the need to transport animals over long distances for specialised treatment.