Maya, an 18-month-old critically ill orphaned elephant calf, has been airlifted from Kerala’s Abhayaranyam to Anant Ambani's Vantara in Jamnagar for specialised intensive hospitalisation. The calf, who has been unable to stand following a severe fall in July, was shifted to the facility after medical experts sought advanced veterinary intervention as a final effort to prevent euthanasia. This life-saving transfer was initiated when Kerala officials explicitly requested the intervention of Vantara to explore every possible medical avenue. Maya's short life has already been a test of resilience. On April 19, 2025, she was found abandoned as a severely dehydrated newborn near Kaprikkad in the Malayattoor Division. Rescued and brought to Abhayaranyam, she was hand-reared around the clock by the Kerala Forest Department. Sadly, her struggles did not end there. On July 2, 2026, the calf slipped while playing and injured her right shoulder. Despite physiotherapy and dietary supplements, her condition rapidly deteriorated. By late October, she could no longer stand and was accepting only liquid feed. A thorough external examination revealed multiple fractures in her limbs, a chest infection, and generalised bone thinning. Faced with extremely brittle bones and a grave prognosis, a Medical Board made the heavy animal-welfare decision to recommend euthanasia on October 29 to prevent further suffering.
A crucial second opinion brings renewed hope
Refusing to close the case, Kerala’s Chief Wildlife Warden, Dr. P. Pugazhendi, pursued a wider expert opinion before considering any irreversible actions. After reviewing her X-rays and blood work during a video consultation, Vantara’s veterinary experts identified a potential parathyroid-related disorder that could respond to treatment. With this new possibility, the decision was unanimously made on November 5 to transfer Maya to Vantara. At their facility, she will receive comprehensive pain management, advanced diagnostics, and support from hydraulic lifting systems to position her safely. Stepping in to provide this critical care, Vantara acted on the core principle of Anant Ambani: every life matters, driven by the philosophy of Jeev Seva.
A collaborative model of compassionate care
What makes this medical mission truly remarkable is the deep partnership built around the calf's emotional well-being. Before the journey, Vantara submitted a comprehensive treatment plan, and arranged an airlift equipped with life-support systems. To ensure Maya feels secure in an unfamiliar environment, the Kerala Forest Department has sent Assistant Forest Veterinary Officer Dr. Binoy C. Babu and her familiar caregiver, Shri Nikhil Babu, to accompany her on the flight. Crucially, her caregiver will remain by her side throughout the entire treatment period in Jamnagar to provide vital continuity. A Kerala Monitoring Committee will closely oversee her medical progress, and once the treatment is complete, Vantara will facilitate her return home to Abhayaranyam. The road ahead is undeniably difficult, and her prognosis remains uncertain. However, with two dedicated institutions working flawlessly together and familiar faces by her side, every conceivable effort is being made to give Maya the best possible chance.
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