Guwahati: Joymoti, a 53-year-old female elephant rescued from floods in Nagaland and Assam in July, is being airlifted to Vantara in Jamnagar for immediate and specialised veterinary treatment.
Joymoti was swept away by floodwaters in Nagaland during the second week of July and later rescued by local communities with government assistance.
She suffered multiple injuries, including wounds on her forehead, right ear, above her tail, left inner thigh and abdomen, along with a deep, maggot-infested wound around her external genital area.
Her right eye is severely damaged, leaving her blind in that eye and causing persistent tearing. She also has longstanding lameness in her left hind leg from a fracture sustained during logging, which affects her ability to walk and access food and water.
Following her rescue, she received first aid and primary veterinary care, including wound dressing, pain medication, multivitamin and mineral supplements and supportive treatment. However, the severity of her injuries, her age and mobility problems require specialised hospital care.
Joymoti is being transferred to Vantara solely for medical treatment. The airlift will reduce the duration and physical demands of long-distance ground travel. Upon arrival, she will undergo a comprehensive veterinary assessment and receive treatment for her injuries and eye condition, along with nutritional and supportive care.
Transporting an elephant by air for intensive hospital care is a first-of-its-kind undertaking in India and requires extensive veterinary, animal-care and logistical preparation. Her health, comfort and safety are being considered during preparation, loading, flight monitoring and arrival at the hospital.
Air transport can reduce travel time for animals requiring urgent medical care, particularly elephants with serious injuries, chronic health conditions or mobility problems.
Joymoti’s case also has drawn attention to the need for specialised elephant veterinary facilities closer to areas where wildlife emergencies occur.
Vantara has proposed three wildlife veterinary care centres in Assam, including a dedicated elephant centre, to strengthen local capacity for emergency treatment.
The proposed centres would provide species-specific facilities and veterinary support and would be operated independently by the Assam Forest Department.
The aim is to enable elephants and other wildlife to receive specialised care closer to where emergencies occur, reducing the need for long-distance transportation.
Joymoti’s transfer to Vantara is not a permanent relocation. It is an urgent medical transfer solely for the specialised treatment she currently requires, with her immediate care and recovery the priority.