A Fighting Chance for Maya: Anant Ambani’s Vantara Airlifts Ailing Elephant Calf
Ailing elephant calf Maya is airlifted from Kerala to Anant Ambani's Vantara in Jamnagar for life-saving treatment and specialized care.
In a race against time to save a fragile life, Maya, an ailing elephant calf, has been airlifted from the forests of Kerala to Jamnagar, Gujarat. At the initiative of Anant Ambani, the founder of Vantara, a specialized veterinary team was mobilized to transport the calf to a state-of-the-art intensive hospitalization facility, giving her a glimmer of hope for recovery.
A Heartbreaking Beginning
Maya's journey has been one of struggle since the very start. She was discovered on April 19, 2025, near Kaprikkad in the Malayattoor Division. The newborn calf had been left behind on a riverbank after her herd crossed the water without her. Found dehydrated and weak, Maya was unable to suckle and had missed out on her mother's vital first milk.
For over a year, a dedicated team led by Assistant Forest Veterinary Officer Dr. Binoy C. Babu worked tirelessly, providing round-the-clock nursing and feeding to keep the calf alive. It was during this period of intense care that she was given the name Maya.
A Sudden Decline
While Maya initially showed resilience, a tragic accident in July 2026 changed everything. While playing, the calf slipped and injured her shoulder. Despite the best efforts of her caregivers—including the use of supplements, splints, and physiotherapy—her condition deteriorated.
By late October, Maya's health reached a critical point. She suffered from fractures in both front legs, a chest infection, and pressure sores, leaving her unable to stand. With a grave prognosis, the Kerala Forest Department sought expert opinions to see if any hope remained.
The Vantara Intervention
The turning point came when Padma Shri Dr. Kushal Konwar Sarma, a renowned elephant veterinarian and Veterinary Advisor to Vantara, analyzed the case. Dr. Sarma identified a potential parathyroid-related disorder that might respond to specialized treatment. This assessment was supported by Dr. Yaduraj Khadpekar, Head Veterinarian at Vantara's Elephant Care Centre.
Following a unanimous decision by the Medical Board and a transfer order issued by Kerala's Chief Wildlife Warden, Dr. P. Pugazhendi, IFS, the plan to move Maya to Jamnagar was set in motion.
A Life-Support Journey
Maya's transit was not a simple flight; it was a life-support airlift. To ensure her stability, she was accompanied by:
- Three Vantara elephant veterinarians, paravets, and caregivers.
- Dr. Binoy C. Babu, who had been with her since the beginning.
- Shri Nikhil Babu, her familiar caregiver, to provide emotional comfort.
The Road to Recovery
Now at the Vantara facility, Maya will undergo a rigorous treatment plan. The care she will receive includes:
- Round-the-clock medical monitoring and pain management.
- Advanced diagnostic testing.
- Hydraulic lifting support to assist her mobility.
- Hydrotherapy sessions as deemed appropriate by the medical team.
While Vantara is providing the facility and expertise, the state of Kerala remains in charge of Maya's care. The organization has committed to facilitating her return to Abhayaranyam once her treatment is successfully completed.
"Maya has fought for every single day of her life. Now it is our turn to fight for her. Our team will not leave her side, not for a moment. Today, we ask everyone to hold this little one in their prayers. Every life matters, and Maya's matters to all of us," said Vivaan Karani, CEO of Vantara.
Although the road ahead remains difficult and her prognosis uncertain, Maya is no longer fighting her battle alone.