An 18-month-old elephant calf, who was once found abandoned on a riverbank in Kerala and painstakingly raised by forest officials, is now receiving a fresh chance at life after being airlifted to a specialised wildlife hospital in Gujarat.

To advertise here,

Meet Maya, whose remarkable journey from a fragile newborn to a fighter has touched her caregivers' hearts.

At the initiative of Anant Ambani, founder of Vantara, the young elephant was flown to the wildlife rescue and treatment facility in Jamnagar on November 6 for advanced medical care.

Maya's story began on April 19, 2025, when she was discovered alone near Kaprikkad in Kerala's Malayattoor forest division.

Her herd had apparently crossed a river, leaving the newborn behind. Weak, dehydrated and unable to suckle, she needed immediate intervention to survive.

Then Kerala's forest department stepped in. Assistant Forest Veterinary Officer Dr Binoy C Babu and a dedicated team of caregivers took responsibility for raising the calf.

For months, they fed and cared for Maya round the clock, helping her through the vulnerable early stages of her life. However, her struggles were far from over.

In July 2026, Maya suffered an injury to her shoulder after slipping while playing. Despite sustained efforts involving physiotherapy, splints and nutritional supplements, her bone condition continued to deteriorate. By late October, the little elephant had become too weak to stand and had developed fractures in both her front legs. She was also battling a chest infection and pressure sores.

With her condition worsening, Kerala's Chief Wildlife Warden, Dr P Pugazhendi, sought specialised medical intervention and a wider expert assessment.

Padma Shri awardee Dr Kushal Konwar Sarma, an eminent elephant veterinarian and Vantara's Veterinary Advisor, identified a possible parathyroid-related disorder that could potentially be treated.

Dr Yaduraj Khadpekar, Head Veterinarian at Vantara's Elephant Care Centre, supported the assessment.

Following discussions, the medical board unanimously agreed that Maya should be given an opportunity to receive specialised treatment. The transfer was subsequently authorised by Kerala's Chief Wildlife Warden.

The journey to Jamnagar was carefully planned, with three Vantara elephant veterinarians, paravets and caregivers accompanying Maya. Importantly, Dr Binoy C Babu and her familiar caregiver, Nikhil Babu, also joined her, ensuring the calf had trusted faces beside her throughout the journey.

At Vantara, Maya will receive round-the-clock veterinary supervision, advanced diagnostic tests, pain management and specialised support, including hydraulic lifting equipment and hydrotherapy, depending on her condition.

The arrangement also ensures continuity in her care, with Kerala retaining responsibility for her treatment. Vantara will facilitate her return to Abhayaranyam once the treatment is completed.

Speaking about the initiative, Vantara CEO Vivaan Karani said the team was determined to stand by Maya throughout her recovery.

‘Maya has fought for every single day of her life. Now it is our turn to fight for her,’ he said, urging people to keep the young elephant in their prayers.

While her prognosis remains uncertain and recovery could be challenging, Maya's journey has already brought together caregivers, veterinarians and wildlife specialists across states.

For a calf that began life alone on a riverbank, the journey to Jamnagar represents something precious: a chance to fight back, surrounded by people who refuse to give up on her.