53-year-old elephant Joymoti, injured in the flood, is being brought to Vantara in Jamnagar for better treatment. Due to serious wounds in many parts of the body and injury in the eye, the treatment will be done under the supervision of expert veterinarians.
Injured elephant Joymoti will be taken to Vantara for treatment.
Joymoti, a 53-year-old elephant rescued during the devastating floods in Nagaland and Assam in July, is being brought to Vantara in Jamnagar for better treatment. She suffered serious injuries to several parts of her body after being swept away by strong currents. Given her age and pre-existing health conditions, she requires expert veterinary care.
Joymoti was swept away by strong floodwaters in Nagaland in the second week of July. She was later rescued with the help of local people and government agencies. She suffered severe injuries to several parts of her body during the flood.
Jaimoti has several serious injuries on her body.
- He sustained injuries on his forehead, right ear, top of the tail, left inner thigh and stomach during the flood.
- There is also a deep wound around the reproductive organ, in which worms had entered.
- Her right eye is severely affected, due to which she is unable to see with that eye.
- There is also a problem of continuous watering of the eyes.
- He has an old bone injury in his left hind leg, which he sustained while chopping wood.
- Due to his leg problem, he has difficulty in walking and reaching food and water.
First aid provided after floods
Following her rescue, Joymoti's wounds were routinely dressed. She was also given necessary supportive treatment, including pain medication, multivitamin and mineral supplements. However, given her age, multiple serious injuries, and mobility issues, she requires immediate treatment at a specialized hospital.
Why was Joymoti airlifted?
Joymoti is being transported by air to avoid the discomfort of a long road journey. The primary purpose is to reduce travel time and reduce the additional stress on his body during the journey.
Upon arrival in Jamnagar, Joymoti will undergo a thorough medical examination. She will then be treated based on her eye condition, her old leg injury, and other flood-related injuries. She will also receive a nutritious diet and other supportive care as needed.
Transporting the elephant by air is a big challenge.
Airlifting an elephant with serious injuries to a hospital for treatment is a very difficult task, and the veterinarians and care team have made special preparations for this.
However, Joymoti's health, comfort, and safety are being ensured at every stage, including her pre-travel medical check-up, safe boarding, monitoring during the flight, and post-arrival care at the hospital.
Three wildlife medical centres to be set up in Assam
Joymoti's case also highlights the need for specialized local medical facilities for animals affected by floods, human-wildlife conflict, and other emergencies. To this end, Vantara has proposed establishing three wildlife medical centers in Assam.
These will include a dedicated center for elephants. These centers are planned to provide species-specific medical facilities and veterinary assistance, so that injured and sick wildlife can receive the necessary treatment within their habitat.
Jayamoti is not being brought to Vantara permanently
Joymoti's transfer to Vantara is not a permanent transfer. She is only receiving a temporary medical transfer to provide necessary and specialized medical treatment. Currently, her priority in Vantara is to treat her injuries, receive better care, and improve her health.
What is Vantara?
Vantara, founded by Anant Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Industries Limited, is an animal rescue, treatment, rehabilitation, and conservation organization.
Vantara's ex-situ programs involve the rescue, rehabilitation, treatment, and long-term care of animals outside their natural habitats, using state-of-the-art veterinary medicine, species-specific nutrition, specialized facilities, and a team of experts from various fields.
