Rama, a makhna elephant, was used for begging and in wedding processions. He was recently brought to the elephant hospital in Mathura in Uttar Pradesh by the forest department.
The state-of-art hospital, Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital Campus, which is India’s first such hospital for elephants, conducted Rama’s X-ray and found a broken spine. He is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital.
Established in November 2018, the facility stands as a symbol of hope and innovation in the realm of elephant welfare and conservation.
Like him, there are several other elephants who have found a safe sanctuary for themselves in the hospital which today completes five years! The treatment unit at the hospital is also providing treatment to severely malnourished pachyderms like India’s ‘skinniest’ elephant Lakshmi.
Dr. S Ilayaraja, Deputy Director- Veterinary Services, Wildlife SOS said, “The Elephant Hospital has played a crucial role in Rama’s treatment. Rama is currently undergoing treatment for multiple septic wounds on his body and ankles, and the use of laser treatment and hydrotherapy has been instrumental in alleviating his pain.”
Established in November 2018, the facility stands as a symbol of hope and innovation in the realm of elephant welfare and conservation.
Baiju Raj MV, Director- Conservation Projects, Wildlife SOS said, “The hospital is designed to treat injured, sick or geriatric elephants and is equipped with a medical hoist for lifting elephants requiring critical care. The facility also houses a unique digital weighing scale and an elephant holding area with a dedicated indoor treatment enclosure for longer medical procedures.”
Over the past half-decade, the Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital Campus in Mathura has continuously upgraded its medical facilities, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of elephant care. The facility has incorporated a protected-contact (PC) wall that helps with regular check-ups as well as treatments of specific ailments for elephants in need of medical care.
The medical facility has carved its niche specialising in geriatric elephant care, wound care, eye issues, musculoskeletal issues & neurological issues.
It also includes a hydrotherapy pool for pain relief, quarantine facilities for contagious diseases, and an observation deck with CCTV for round-the-clock care for elephants.
Over the years, the medical facility has carved its niche specialising in geriatric elephant care, wound care, eye issues, musculoskeletal issues, neurological issues while prioritising tailored foot care and addressing mobility needs of rescued elephants.
The hospital also includes a comprehensive pathology lab with automated haematology analysers for blood tests, serum biochemistry analysers to assess serum parameters, and a trinocular microscope for examining blood smears and conducting faecal parasite assessments.
In the five years of its existence, the treatment unit has provided care for over 20 elephants.
The hospital also includes a comprehensive pathology lab with automated haematology analysers for blood tests.
To further the cause of elephant conservation and promote scientific research, the hospital also has an independent interpretation centre and an observation window for veterinarians, caregivers and biologists from around the world to visit and observe the practicalities of veterinary care for elephants.
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder & CEO, Wildlife SOS said, “Captive elephants often endure hardships, and even after rehabilitation, they depend on human care for their long-term well-being. The Elephant Hospital plays a pivotal role in facilitating this crucial ongoing care, bridging the gap between their past challenges and a brighter future.”
Wildlife SOS (WSOS) is a non-profit charity established in 1998 with the primary objective of rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife in distress across India.
