Flood rescued 53-Year-Old Elephant Joymoti Airlifted to Vantara for Specialised Treatment
Jamnagar, Aug 21 (TNT): A 53-year-old female elephant, Joymoti, rescued from floods in Nagaland and Assam last month, is being airlifted to Vantara in Jamnagar for specialised veterinary treatment.
Joymoti was swept away by floodwaters in Nagaland during the second week of July and was later rescued by local communities with the assistance of government agencies.
She suffered multiple injuries, including wounds on her forehead, right ear, above the tail, left inner thigh and abdomen, besides a deep, maggot-infested wound around the external genital area.
Her right eye has been severely damaged, leaving her blind in that eye and causing persistent tearing.
She also suffers from longstanding lameness in her left hind leg following a fracture sustained during logging, affecting her mobility and ability to access food and water.
Following her rescue, Joymoti received first aid and primary veterinary care locally, including wound dressing, pain medication, multivitamin and mineral supplements and supportive treatment.
However, considering the severity of her injuries, her age and existing mobility problems, she requires specialised treatment in a hospital setting, according to the statement.
Her transfer to Vantara is solely for medical treatment and is aimed at enabling her to reach a specialised elephant hospital while minimising the physical demands and duration of ground transportation.
Upon arrival, Joymoti will undergo a comprehensive veterinary assessment and receive treatment for her injuries and eye condition, along with nutritional and supportive care as required.
The airlift, described as a first-of-its-kind undertaking in India for intensive hospital care of an elephant, involves extensive veterinary, animal-care and logistical preparations.
Her health and safety will be monitored throughout the process, from pre-flight assessment and preparation to loading, transportation and arrival at the hospital.
The statement said air transportation can significantly reduce travel time for animals requiring urgent medical care, particularly elephants with serious injuries, chronic health conditions or mobility difficulties.
Joymoti’s case has also highlighted the need for specialised wildlife veterinary facilities closer to areas where emergencies occur.
Vantara has proposed setting up three wildlife veterinary care centres in Assam, including a dedicated elephant care centre, to strengthen local capacity for emergency wildlife treatment.
The proposed centres would provide species-specific facilities and veterinary support and would be operated independently by the Assam Forest Department, the statement said.
The initiative aims to enable elephants and other wildlife in Assam to receive specialised care closer to the locations where emergencies occur and reduce the need for long-distance transportation.
Joymoti’s transfer to Vantara is not a permanent relocation but an urgent medical transfer undertaken solely to provide the specialised treatment she requires, it added.
TNT TS
