QUICK TAKE | Why Maya, an 18-Month-Old Elephant Calf, Was Flown From Kerala to Vantara. Seven Things to Know

1. Who is Maya?

Maya is an 18-month-old elephant calf found weak and severely dehydrated near Kaprikkad in Kerala’s Malayattoor forest division on April 19, 2025. Forest staff waited for her mother to return. When she didn’t, they took Maya to Kodanad Abhayaranyam, where she received round-the-clock care.

2. What happened to her in July?

Maya slipped while playing on July 2 and injured her right shoulder. Her condition worsened despite treatment, physiotherapy and nutritional supplements. By late October, she could no longer stand and was accepting only liquid food.

3. Why was euthanasia recommended?

An October 24 examination found multiple fractures, severe bone weakness, a chest infection and sores from prolonged immobility. The vet assessed her prognosis as guarded to grave. Officials described her underlying condition as a genetic bone disorder, and euthanasia was recommended before the transfer.

4. What changed after the second opinion?

Vantara’s vets reviewed Maya’s records, X-rays and blood reports. At a November 4 medical board meeting, elephant veterinarian Kushal Konwar Sarma identified a possible underlying condition that might respond to treatment. The board unanimously backed the transfer, and Kerala’s chief wildlife warden issued the order the next day.

5. How do you fly an elephant calf who can’t stand?

Cochin International Airport made special arrangements at its domestic cargo terminal to move Maya’s transport cage onto a chartered aircraft. The flight left Kochi at 1.30 pm on November 6. Vets examined her before departure and monitored her during the flight.

6. Who is paying for the transfer and treatment?

Vantara, the animal rescue and rehabilitation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat, sponsored the flight. Officials reportedly told that the centre would also cover the full cost of Maya’s treatment.

7. What happens to Maya now?

Vantara’s team will reassess her condition in intensive care and decide which treatments are feasible. Kerala’s forest department arranged for a vet and one of Maya’s regular caregivers to accompany her so the new team could draw on their experience caring for her.