Vantara has airlifted Maya, an ailing 18-month-old elephant calf from Kerala, to its intensive hospitalisation facility in Jamnagar for specialised treatment. The calf, who can no longer stand and has fractures in both front legs, was moved on 5 November following a transfer order issued by Kerala’s Chief Wildlife Warden, Dr. P. Pugazhendi, IFS. The operation was carried out at the initiative of Anant Ambani, Founder of Vantara, who mobilised the organisation’s specialised veterinary team.
Maya was found as a newborn near Kaprikkad in the Malayattoor Division on 19 April 2025, alone on a riverbank after her herd crossed the water without her. She was weak, dehydrated and had not received her mother’s first milk, and was unable to suckle. For over a year, Assistant Forest Veterinary Officer Dr. Binoy C. Babu and a team of caregivers fed and nursed her around the clock, and named her Maya.
In July 2026, Maya slipped while playing and injured her shoulder. Despite physiotherapy, splints and supplements, her bones grew increasingly fragile. By late October, she was unable to stand and had developed fractures in both front legs, a chest infection and pressure sores. Her prognosis was grave.
Seeking to explore every option, the Chief Wildlife Warden sought a wider expert opinion. Padma Shri Dr. Kushal Konwar Sarma, eminent elephant veterinarian and Veterinary Advisor to Vantara, identified a possible parathyroid-related disorder that may respond to treatment. Dr. Yaduraj Khadpekar, Head Veterinarian at Vantara’s Elephant Care Centre, concurred, and the Medical Board unanimously agreed that Maya should be given every chance.
Maya is being transported on a life-support airlift with three Vantara elephant veterinarians, paravets and caregivers. She is accompanied by Dr. Binoy C. Babu and her familiar caregiver, Shri Nikhil Babu, who will remain by her side. At Vantara, she will receive round-the-clock monitoring, pain management, advanced diagnostics, hydraulic lifting support and hydrotherapy where appropriate.
Kerala will remain in charge of her care, and Vantara will facilitate her return to Abhayaranyam once treatment is complete.
“Maya has fought for every single day of her life. Now it is our turn to fight for her. Our team will not leave her side, not for a moment. Today, we ask everyone to hold this little one in their prayers. Every life matters, and Maya’s matters to all of us,” said Shri Vivaan Karani, CEO, Vantara.
