Abandoned by her herd at a riverbank: On April 19, 2025, a newborn elephant calf was discovered in a helpless condition near a river in the Malayattoor division of Kerala after being left behind by her family. Suffering from dehydration and severe weakness without maternal milk, the little calf was rescued by Kerala Forest Department veterinarian Dr. Binoy C. Babu and his team, who provided round-the-clock care and affectionately named her Maya.
An accidental injury during play
While things were progressing normally, a slip during playtime in July 2026 resulted in a severe shoulder injury for Maya. Despite continuous physiotherapy and nutritional supplements, her bones grew progressively weaker day by day. This unfortunate accident completely altered Maya's life and created a massive hurdle in her path to recovery.
Becoming bedridden and critical
By the end of October 2026, the innocent calf's condition deteriorated to the point where both of her front legs suffered fractures. Alongside the leg fractures, she developed a chest infection, rendering her completely immobile and confined to a bed, casting a severe threat over her life and distressing everyone involved.
Intervention by wildlife experts
Witnessing Maya's extremely delicate condition, the Chief Wildlife Warden of Kerala immediately sought advice from top national experts. Padma Shri Dr. Kushal Konwar Sarma and Vantara's Chief Veterinarian Dr. Yadhuraj Khadpekar analyzed her medical reports, and this special medical team expressed renewed hope of restoring her health through proper treatment.
Vantara steps in with a special airlift
When local treatment options became exceedingly difficult, Vantara organization took over Maya's responsibility under the initiative of Anant Ambani. On November 5, a major decision was made to execute a special airlift, transferring her from Kerala to Vantara's high-tech hospital located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, proving that every possible effort would be made to save the voiceless animal.
Continuous support during the aerial journey
To ensure Maya experienced no fear or distress during the airlift, Vantara's veterinary doctors alongside her longtime caregiver Nikhil Babu accompanied her throughout the journey. During the long flight from Kerala to Jamnagar, Maya was provided with life-support and critical care to keep her completely secure, with the familiar presence giving her much-needed courage.
High-tech care facilities in Jamnagar
At the Jamnagar facility, Maya is receiving world-class medical amenities including a hydraulic lift, advanced diagnostics, pain management, and hydrotherapy, with the Vantara team monitoring her around the clock. Once fully recovered, Maya will be sent back to the Abhayaranyam center in Kerala, while people across the country continue to pray for her recovery.
