Doomdooma: Wildlife SOS has denied allegations that expired medicines or vaccines were used in the treatment of a 13-month-old elephant calf that died on Sunday in the Kumsang Reserved Forest under the Doomdooma Forest Division in Assam’s Tinsukia district.
The NGO stated that all procedures were carried out in accordance with established veterinary protocols and in coordination with the Assam Forest Department.
The Uttar Pradesh-based NGO, known for its wildlife rescue and veterinary care programmes, had organised a free medical camp on April 18 in the Talap and Kumsang forest ranges in collaboration with the forest department.
The deceased calf, named Lakhimani, belonged to a locally owned elephant named Jayamati. It was among several elephants brought by owners for treatment and reportedly received an injection during the camp in the presence of authorised personnel, including a forest guard.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Wildlife SOS Director of Conservation Projects Baiju Raj expressed sorrow over the calf’s death while firmly rejecting allegations of negligence.
“We categorically state that no expired medicines, vaccines, or injections were used during the treatment camp. All interventions were conducted in coordination with the Forest Department, in the presence of authorised personnel, and in accordance with established veterinary protocols,” Raj said.
The organisation also highlighted its extensive experience in wildlife rescue and veterinary care, stating that through its Haathi Sewa initiative in Assam, launched in 2025, it has provided treatment to nearly 200 elephants across more than 10 states. The programme offers free veterinary services to domestic elephants with the consent of their owners.
“The cause of death has not yet been established, and we await the post-mortem findings. Any attribution at this stage is unverified,” the statement said.
“We urge that conclusions be guided strictly by confirmed findings. The spread of unverified claims risks causing misinformation and distress in an already sensitive situation.”
Wildlife SOS said it is fully cooperating with authorities and remains committed to transparency.
The NGO further clarified that it has been conducting veterinary camps in Assam since 2025, where, besides on-site treatment, essential medicines are also distributed to elephant owners for continued care.
“It is therefore possible that the product being referred to may have come from previously supplied stock that remained with the owner and has since crossed its labelled expiry date. However, we reiterate that our veterinary team does not administer expired medicines under any circumstances. All treatments carried out at the camp used valid, in-date medications and followed established protocols,” Raj added.
Meanwhile, the Doomdooma Forest Division has constituted an inquiry committee headed by Kabyasree Bora, Range Officer of Saikhowa Range, to investigate the incident.