In July 2026, Maya suffered an accidental fall and lost the ability to bear weight on her legs. She remained unable to stand or get up on her own for nearly two months.At 15 months, Maya also requires careful feeding and constant attention.
A 15-month-old elephant calf, Maya, is being airlifted from Kochi to Vantara in Jamnagar, Gujarat, for specialised medical care after her condition failed to improve despite months of treatment by the Kerala Forest Department.Maya was abandoned by her herd at birth and brought to the Abhayaranyam camp at Kaprikkad, where forest officials and caretakers have looked after her round the clock.In July 2026, Maya suffered an accidental fall and lost the ability to bear weight on her legs. She remained unable to stand or get up on her own for nearly two months.
The Forest Department subsequently constituted an expert Medical Board to oversee her treatment.Under the Board's guidance, the Assistant Forest Veterinary Officer treated Maya at the Veterinary Hospital in Abhayaranyam. However, her condition did not improve, prompting the department to seek specialised facilities for long-term intensive care.
An elephant calf unable to stand for prolonged periods faces several health risks, including breathing and digestive problems, pressure sores and muscle wasting. At 15 months, Maya also requires careful feeding and constant attention.VANTARA TEAM EXAMINES MAYAThe Forest Department sought expert assistance, and Maya was examined on October 24, 2026, at the request of the Assistant Conservator of Forests, Abhayaranyam.
The department contacted Vantara, which has facilities and expertise in elephant care and rehabilitation. Its veterinary team reached Abhayaranyam at short notice and examined Maya alongside forest officials and doctors.Following the joint assessment, the teams agreed that shifting Maya to Vantara would give her access to the specialised treatment and care she needs.MEDICAL TEAM ACCOMPANIES CALF DURING AIRLIFTMaya is being airlifted from Kochi Airport to Vantara in Jamnagar, where she will receive intensive medical care.
Members of the Medical Board and Forest Department officials are accompanying her. Both teams have jointly made arrangements to care for her during the journey.The transfer is a joint effort by the Kerala Forest Department and Vantara to provide the calf with specialised medical support and improve her chances of recovery.- Ends