Elephants hold a special place in Kerala’s cultural and spiritual life. Among them, Puthuppally Sadhu, a 55-year-old temple elephant from Kottayam, is especially loved. Known for his majestic presence in temple festivals, rituals, and even movies, Sadhu has a huge fan following across the state. But recently, this much-admired jumbo faced a life-threatening illness that required urgent medical attention.
The crisis brought together Reliance Foundation’s Vantara initiative, the Kerala Forest Department, and local veterinarians, with Dr. Vaisakh Viswom, a Malayali vet, leading the first-ever Vantara mission in Kerala. This mission not only saved Sadhu’s life but also highlighted the importance of elephant intestinal treatment and advanced veterinary support.
The Start of the Health Crisis
Sadhu’s health problems became serious when he stopped eating and drinking for more than two weeks. His owner, Pothen Varghese, noticed that the elephant had gone nearly 17 days without food and was becoming extremely weak. Local veterinarians and forest officials tried initial treatments, but nothing worked.
On August 4, Varghese reported the matter to the Chief Wildlife Warden of Kerala, asking for expert intervention. That’s when the Vantara team, a Gujarat-based wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center run by Reliance Foundation, was contacted for help.
First Assessment by Vantara
The Kerala Forest Department responded quickly. On August 7, Vantara’s veterinarians carried out a video call assessment of Sadhu. They monitored his condition for several days, but by August 14, there was still no improvement. Varghese, growing increasingly worried, once again raised the alarm.
The very next day, Vantara’s Rapid Response Team, equipped with advanced medical kits, left for Kerala. This marked Vantara’s first outreach mission in the state, making it a historic step for elephant healthcare.
Beginning of Elephant Intestinal Treatment
On August 16, the team led by Dr. Vaisakh, along with veterinarians Amar Gharat and Pritesh Tayade, started intensive treatment. By then, Sadhu was very weak and dehydrated.
The first step of elephant intestinal treatment involved:
- Administering around 80 liters of IV fluids daily
- Rectal rehydration therapy
- Liquid paraffin to soften the intestinal mass
- Pain relief medication
- Ayurvedic castor oil massages to improve bowel movement
These combined therapies were aimed at stabilizing Sadhu and restoring his intestinal activity.
Colonoscopy Reveals the Problem
The real breakthrough came on August 18, when a colonoscopy revealed an impacted mass nearly five feet inside the digestive tract. Dr. Vaisakh explained that the problem was caused by peristalsis failure—a condition where the muscles in the intestine fail to push food forward.
This issue is one of the leading causes of elephant deaths. It often happens when elephants overeat, chew fibrous food improperly (like sugarcane or palm leaves), or drink insufficient water.
Varghese suspected that Sadhu’s illness may have been triggered during an Anayoottu ritual, a feeding ceremony where the elephant might have swallowed large sugarcane pieces without chewing them well.
Removal of a 32-kg Intestinal Blockage
Over the next few days, the veterinarians continued with supportive therapy. A second colonoscopy on August 21 showed the mass had shifted closer. Finally, on August 25, the team successfully removed a 32-kg intestinal blockage manually.
This was a turning point in the elephant intestinal treatment. That very day, Sadhu passed dung naturally during his morning walk. Soon after, he regained his appetite, started drinking water, and his energy levels improved.
Recovery and Monitoring
Despite undergoing such invasive procedures, Sadhu remained remarkably calm and cooperative, which helped the medical team. The veterinarians advised a 15-day recovery diet with strict monitoring of food intake, hydration, and physical activity.
This was particularly important since elephants like Sadhu are often engaged in festival duties and long journeys, both of which can strain their digestive system.
Gratitude from the Owner
Owner Pothen Varghese, who also keeps three other elephants, expressed his heartfelt gratitude after Sadhu’s recovery. He said:
“Our local veterinarians know the condition, but they lack the equipment. Vantara’s expertise and tools made all the difference.”
The treatment cost was under ₹1 lakh, borne by the owner, while Vantara covered travel and equipment expenses.
Why This Case Is Significant
The successful elephant intestinal treatment of Sadhu holds lessons for the future:
- Specialized care is critical – Local vets often lack advanced diagnostic tools such as colonoscopy equipment.
- Preventive awareness is needed – Feeding rituals like Anayoottu, where elephants may swallow food without chewing, can pose serious health risks.
- Combination of modern and traditional medicine – The use of IV fluids, colonoscopy, and Ayurvedic therapies together played a key role in Sadhu’s recovery.
- Collaborative missions save lives – The partnership between Kerala Forest Department, local vets, and Vantara set a strong example.
Also read: Vantara: A New Ray of Hope for Puthuppally Sadhu the Elephant
Broader Message for Elephant Care
Elephants are central to Kerala’s traditions, temple festivals, and tourism. Yet, their health often suffers due to poor diet management and overwork. The case of Sadhu is a reminder of the importance of early diagnosis, specialized veterinary intervention, and proper elephant intestinal treatment.
As captive elephants continue to face lifestyle-related health issues, missions like this highlight the urgent need for regular checkups, better feeding practices, and access to advanced veterinary care across India.
Also read: Vantara Rapid Response Team Reaches Punjab to Rescue Flood-Hit Animals
Conclusion
Thanks to the efforts of Dr. Vaisakh Viswom, the Vantara team, and the Kerala Forest Department, Puthuppally Sadhu survived a near-fatal intestinal illness. The successful removal of a 32-kg blockage not only saved Sadhu’s life but also became a landmark in the field of elephant intestinal treatment.
This mission proved that with timely intervention, advanced medical tools, and dedicated care, even life-threatening conditions in elephants can be successfully managed. Sadhu’s recovery is more than just a medical achievement—it is a reminder of our responsibility to protect and care for these gentle giants who form the soul of Kerala’s cultural identity.
