JAMNAGAR: Joymoti, a 53-year-old female elephant rescued from devastating floods in Nagaland and Assam in July, has been 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 assistance from government agencies.
The elephant sustained multiple injuries, including wounds to her forehead, right ear, abdomen, left inner thigh and the area above her tail. She also suffered a deep, maggot-infested wound around her external genital area.
Her right eye has been severely damaged, leaving her blind in that eye and causing persistent tearing. She also has longstanding lameness in her left hind leg following a fracture sustained during logging, affecting her ability to walk normally and access food and water.
Given the extent of her injuries, her age and existing mobility problems, veterinarians determined that she required urgent treatment at a specialised elephant hospital.
Joymoti’s transfer to Vantara, founded by Anant Ambani, is solely for specialised veterinary care and is not a permanent relocation. The decision to airlift her was taken to minimise the duration and physical demands of long-distance ground transportation.
Following her 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.
Airlift planned around elephant’s welfare
Transporting an elephant by air for specialised medical care is an unusual undertaking in India and requires extensive veterinary, animal-care and logistical planning.
Joymoti’s health and safety were monitored throughout the process, from pre-flight veterinary assessment and preparation to loading, the flight and her arrival at the hospital.
For elephants with serious injuries, chronic health conditions or mobility difficulties, air travel can substantially reduce journey time and avoid the physical strain associated with prolonged ground transportation.
Focus on local wildlife healthcare
Joymoti’s case has also highlighted the need for specialised elephant and wildlife veterinary facilities closer to areas where emergencies occur, particularly in regions affected by floods and human-wildlife conflict.
Vantara has proposed establishing three wildlife veterinary care centres in Assam, including a dedicated facility for elephants. The centres would provide species-specific infrastructure and veterinary support, allowing wildlife affected by emergencies to receive specialised care closer to where they are found.
The proposed facilities would be operated independently by the Assam Forest Department.
The broader aim is to strengthen local veterinary capacity and reduce the need for long-distance transportation whenever specialised treatment is required.
For now, Joymoti’s immediate priority is recovery. Her transfer to Vantara is intended to give her access to advanced medical care while ensuring that she receives treatment in conditions focused on her welfare, safety and long-term wellbeing.
