Joymoti, a 53-year-old female elephant rescued from floodwaters in Nagaland and Assam in July, is being airlifted to Vantara in Jamnagar for specialised veterinary treatment for multiple injuries and longstanding mobility problems.
Joymoti was swept away by floodwaters in Nagaland during the second week of July and was later rescued by local communities with the assistance of government agencies. She sustained injuries to several parts of her body, including her forehead, right ear, the area above her tail, left inner thigh and abdomen. She also suffered a deep wound around her external genital area that had become infested with maggots.
Her right eye was severely damaged, leaving her blind in that eye and suffering from persistent tearing. She also has longstanding lameness in her left hind leg following a fracture sustained during logging, affecting her mobility and ability to access food and water.
Following her rescue, Joymoti received first aid and primary veterinary care locally, including wound dressing, pain medication, multivitamin and mineral supplements and supportive treatment. However, veterinarians determined that her age, injuries and existing mobility problems required specialised hospital care.
Her transfer to Vantara is solely for medical treatment. Air transport was chosen to minimise the duration and physical demands of long-distance travel. Veterinary teams have undertaken assessments and preparations for the journey, including arrangements for safe loading, in-flight monitoring and medical care after arrival.
Vantara said Joymoti would undergo a comprehensive veterinary assessment and receive treatment for her injuries and eye condition, along with nutritional and supportive care as required.
The transfer has been described as a first-of-its-kind undertaking in India involving an elephant requiring intensive hospital care. The operation requires coordination among veterinary, animal-care and logistics teams.
Joymoti’s case has also highlighted the need for specialised wildlife veterinary facilities closer to areas where elephants and other animals face emergencies caused by floods, human-wildlife conflict and other incidents.
Vantara has proposed establishing three wildlife veterinary care centres in Assam, including a dedicated elephant facility. According to the proposal, the centres would have species-specific infrastructure and veterinary support and would operate independently under the Assam Forest Department.
The proposed facilities are intended to provide specialised treatment closer to the locations where wildlife emergencies occur, reducing the need for long-distance transportation.
Joymoti’s transfer to Vantara is temporary and does not constitute permanent relocation. The immediate focus remains on providing specialised treatment and supportive care and improving her prospects of recovery.
