Over the past few months, our Haathi Sewa initiative, in collaboration with the state forest departments, has gained remarkable momentum, reaching diverse landscapes, from remote villages to dense forests across India. From Assam and Meghalaya in the northeast to Jharkhand in the east and Madhya Pradesh in central India, Haathi Sewa has extended care to elephants far and wide, ensuring timely medical attention and welfare support where it is needed most.
This article highlights two such recent interventions, one in Uttar Pradesh and another in Karnataka, offering a closer look at the initiative in action. The journeys reflect the dedication of the Wildlife SOS team, working tirelessly to treat, train, and care for elephants across regions.
Uttar Pradesh
Bhadohi
In the heart of Uttar Pradesh, our Haathi Sewa team came to know about an elephant who had spent most of her years begging and also in religious ceremonies. When they reached the site, they met 59-year-old Sunderkali, whose frail body told tales of harsh conditions. She was not only weak but severely malnourished as well. Her head looked shrunken, with quite a deep depression in the frontal region. Our team even noticed mild cataracts in both her eyes that were causing her vision to dim. All these signs are typically found in a geriatric elephant. There were also old scars on her frail frame and cuts on her ears, possibly from the friction of chains or ropes used to tie her with. Her skin was quite dry as well. She also presented with overgrown toenails that had led to severe foot pathologies.
The veterinary team conducted a complete health assessment, collecting blood samples to evaluate her internal organ function and screen for diseases. Her left elbow wound was cleaned and treated, and she was administered deworming medication to tackle internal parasites.
Our team, beyond Sunderkali’s treatment, also provided her mahouts with proper training on hygiene maintenance and husbandry practices. They apprised them of the need and importance of regular pedicures, balanced nutrition and daily care and inspection of wounds to prevent certain infections. Her mahouts were also suggested to reduce the pachyderm’s workload and allow her ageing body more rest and love, which she rightfully requires. The team’s compassionate approach gave Sunderkali a fresh lease on life, offering her a chance to live her remaining years in comfort and dignity.
Dudhwa National Park
In another intervention, the Haathi Sewa team conducted a hands-on medical camp at Dudhwa National Park in Uttar Pradesh, aiming to train over 50 mahouts as well. This noble initiative was designed not only to address the pressing health concerns commonly observed among captive elephants but also to strengthen the mahouts’ knowledge of elephant care.
Over a few days, the team examined as many as 20 elephants, many of whom were found to be in need of medical intervention. All elephants examined required attention to their feet for chronic ailments, including severely overgrown nails, cracked foot pads and cuticles that needed tending to. Several of the elephants observed also presented with skin lesions, some with infected wounds. Ocular discharge and musculoskeletal complications such as limb deformities and arthritis were also noted in some.
Roopkali, a 67-year-old female elephant, showed signs of weakness. She also had skin infections on her forehead. Multiple wounds were noticed on her left ear, along with corneal opacity in her right eye. Another 27-year-old elephant by the name of Mohan was suffering from dermatitis and chronic foot ailments. Elephants like Sundar, partially blind with joint deformities, and Ganga Kali, an elderly female with abscesses, further highlighted the urgent need for sustained veterinary attention.
The treatment of elephants was followed by the Haathi Sewa team guiding the mahouts on useful skills for taking care of their elephants’ feet, treating wounds, and spotting health problems early. Their learning was connected with real-time treatments being provided to ensure that they understand how urgent and relevant these are. By the time the team was to leave, the mahouts were not only equipped with the knowledge of issues to tackle, but they also learned more closely about the elephants’ physical and behavioural needs. Our team provided frontline mahouts with the medical tools they needed for elephant welfare.
Bijnor
The most heartbreaking case of Haathi Sewa’s outreach so far may have happened in Barhapur Range of Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, where an elephant calf was found abandoned in a pit. It was evident that the calf, which was less than a day old, had slipped into the pit as soon as it was born, which declined the opportunity for the mother to bond with her baby and provide the calf with the milk needed just after birth for nourishment. This resulted in the calf being severely weak, unable to stand, and experiencing cold stress. The Haathi Sewa team promptly sprang into action by feeding the calf with a special formula milk resembling that of a mother’s, which brought back some strength to the baby, who was still quite frail. The next step was the attempt to reunite the calf with the mother, but unfortunately, even after several trials, none of the female wild elephants showed any maternal response.
The baby elephant was transferred to a forest department reserve, where there would be provision of neonatal care and supportive treatment for the calf to recover and receive the best of care. This case has further expanded the role of Haathi Sewa in providing necessary care to newborn, abandoned elephants in distress that they come across as well.
Karnataka
Shimoga
Our Haathi Sewa wheels also rolled as far as Shimoga (Shivamogga), a city in Karnataka, towards the southwest of the country. The team, having been informed by the state forest department, helped a 39-year-old male elephant who had hurt his left forelimb after he slipped and fell. Veterinarians of the forest department had put a cast on the elephant’s leg to keep it stable, but further examination and evaluation were needed. After reaching the spot, the Haathi Sewa team conducted X-rays, which revealed minor inflammation but, fortunately, no major fractures. The team suggested that the bull could be put into protective shoes designed to keep the foot pad from getting worse, as they also observed swelling on the other foot.
Haathi Sewa’s aid and support have fast gathered attention across different states and forest divisions across the country. Such an initiative highlights how collaborative efforts can make a real difference in the lives of captive elephants. By providing immediate medical care, empowering mahouts with critical knowledge, and working alongside local authorities, Haathi Sewa is helping elephants live healthier, more dignified lives. Each journey is more than just a medical intervention, it’s a commitment to a brighter future for India’s elephants. If you encounter an elephant in distress, please reach out to the Elephant Helpline at +91-9971699727 or write to us at [email protected]
Feature image: Shresatha Pachori/ Wildlife SOS
