Vantara, India’s largest wildlife rehabilitation center, has once again proved why it is considered a sanctuary of hope for distressed animals. Recently, the center’s veterinary experts gave a new lease of life to Puthuppally Sadhu, a 55-year-old elephant from Kerala’s Kottayam district. The majestic giant was battling life-threatening health issues, but timely medical intervention by Vantara saved him from the jaws of death.
The First Free Rescue Mission by Vantara
Sadhu became the very first elephant to benefit from Vantara’s free rescue initiative. This achievement is significant not only because it restored one elephant’s life but also because it highlighted how advanced medical facilities can transform wildlife care in India.
The center, established by Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation, is widely recognized as the country’s most advanced facility for wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and research.
How Vantara’s Team Discovered the Problem
The turning point came when Sadhu’s owner, Puthen Varghese, approached the Kerala Forest Department with an urgent request. Sadhu had stopped eating for nearly a month and was in a highly critical state.
Upon arrival, Dr. Vaishakh Vishwam from Vantara’s Rapid Response Team, along with his colleagues, carried out a thorough medical examination. What they found was alarming – a 32-kg fiber-like mass inside Sadhu’s stomach, along with symptoms of elephantiasis and intestinal blockage. Without immediate treatment, survival was almost impossible.
The Challenging Treatment
The Vantara team performed a colonoscopy to remove part of the mass while the remaining portion was naturally expelled after nine days. Gradually, Sadhu began drinking water and showing signs of recovery.
During this time, doctors provided him with a specially prepared liquid diet of 490 liters, enriched with medicines, vitamins, and minerals. Thanks to this dedicated medical care, the elephant slowly regained his strength.
Sadhu: A Cultural Symbol of Kerala
Puthuppally Sadhu is not just an elephant; he is a beloved figure who has been part of many temple festivals in Kerala, often carrying idols of deities during grand processions. His sudden illness caused widespread concern among both devotees and animal lovers.
The successful recovery of such a well-known elephant added emotional significance to the entire mission.
Concerns About Elephant Healthcare in Kerala
However, Sadhu’s story also raises an important issue. Kerala still lacks modern diagnostic and treatment facilities for elephants, which often leads to unnecessary deaths.
As P.S. Ravindranath, General Secretary of the Kerala Elephant Owners Federation, pointed out, “More elephants could be saved if facilities like Vantara existed in Kerala as well.”
Key Highlights of Sadhu’s Recovery
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Elephant’s Name | Puthuppally Sadhu |
| Age | 55 years |
| Location | Kottayam, Kerala |
| Health Problem | 32-kg stomach mass, elephantiasis, intestinal blockage |
| Rescue Team | Vantara Rapid Response Team |
| Treatment | Colonoscopy, 490 liters of liquid diet, medicines |
| Outcome | Successful recovery |
| Special Note | First elephant to benefit from Vantara’s free rescue mission |
Also read: Vantara: असम में घायल हथिनी गीता की जिंदगी बचाने में वनतारा का सराहनीय योगदान,वन्यजीव संरक्षण मिशन
Vantara’s Role in Wildlife Conservation
The story of Sadhu’s recovery is proof of how Vantara is setting a benchmark in wildlife healthcare. By combining modern veterinary science with compassion, it shows the way forward for wildlife conservation in India.
This achievement also demonstrates that with the right infrastructure, animals suffering from even the most severe conditions can be brought back to life.
Also read: Vantara Animal Rescue Centre: A Sanctuary of Hope for India’s Wildlife
Conclusion
The successful treatment of Puthuppally Sadhu is more than just a rescue story – it is a reminder of the deep bond between humans and nature.
By proving once again that Vantara can save lives where hope seems lost, the center has reinforced its position as a true guardian of India’s wildlife.
