It is the vision of the two rescued elephants, as well as their foot injuries, which will be treated at India’... Read More

FARAH (Mathura): There was much anticipation among the 25-odd people who had gathered at the inauguration of a state-of-the-art hospital in Farah block of Mathura. It had, however, less to do with the launch of the new facility than it did with the two patients lodged there. As Phoolkali and Maya made their way to the crowds, cellphones were whipped out and cameras clicked rapidly. Not that Phoolkali and Maya were aware of the attention they were garnering, for both of them are partially blind.

It is the vision of the two rescued elephants, as well as their foot injuries, which will be treated at India’s first hospital built exclusively for elephants. For Phoolkali, 55, and Maya, 35, both of whom have spent most of their years in captivity, this is a fresh lease on life. While Maya was a circus animal, Phoolkali would often be decked out to add grandeur to religious or wedding processions. Like with all captive animals, years of abuse has left them both with injuries, physical and psychological. The new hospital, set up by NGO Wildlife SOS, in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh forest department, aims to provide critical medical care to all such rescued elephants.

While Kaziranga in Assam has a clinic exclusively for elephants, and there was a proposal to set up such a facility in Thrissur in Kerala, this is the first full-fledged hospital dedicated to treating only elephants. The hospital with a built-up area of nearly 12,000 square feet and four veterinarians can treat up to three elephants at a time. Besides, its state-of-the-art laboratory features facilities like wireless digital X-ray, laser treatment, dental X-ray, ultrasonography, hydrotherapy , tranquillization equipment and quarantine facility for treatment of injured elephants in distress. The hospital also has a dedicated observation area for overnight monitoring of elephants under treatment using close circuit infra-red CCTV cameras.

Senior wildlife veterinary officer Yaduraj Khadpekar said, “With each elephant rescue, we have observed a disturbing pattern in captive elephants, their bodies have weakened due to improper nutrition, their feet are riddled with wounds, they are socially isolated and psychologically depressed. This hospital will provide the critical care required by such animals.”

TOI had recently reported that one of five elephants which tourists ride around Jaipur is blind. All of them have injured or weak legs and most are likely suffering severe psychological problems, traumatised by abuse in captivity. The life expectancy of such captive elephants in the country, which is between 70 and 75 years for the species, is down to less than 40 years. The Supreme Court has also sought a study to ascertain the magnitude of the problem. Notably, India has the largest population of elephants in the wild, an estimated 23,900-32,000.

In a recorded message played during the inauguration ceremony, Maneka Gandhi said, “It is a matter of great pride that the welfare and care of India’s magnificent heritage animal is finally getting the attention it deserves.”

According to CEO, Wildlife SOS, Kartick Satyanarayan, the hospital will also work to spread knowledge on medical care for elephants. An observation desk will allow veterinary students to observe and learn elephanttreatment routines.

After treatment at the hospital, the elephants will spend time at the first Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC), which was established by Wildlife SOS in 2010 in Farah. At present, it provides lifetime care and treatment for over 20 rehabilitated pachyderms, rescued from illegal captivity.

