52-yr-old injured tusker travels 2K km for life-saving treatment

After decades of exploitation and neglect, a 52-year-old tusker named Vayu has been rescued from Assam and brought to the Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital in Mathura for urgent medical treatment.

The operation involved a 2,000-km cross-country journey in a specially designed elephant ambulance and marked Wildlife SOS’s first-ever rescue from the northeastern state.

Used in timber logging operations in Nagaland for much of his life, Vayu sustained a severe injury years ago after a fall left his left forelimb fractured.

Without timely medical care, the injury developed into chronic issues, including joint stiffness (ankylosis) and osteoarthritis. Veterinary teams from Wildlife SOS found the elephant severely undernourished, with a pronounced limp and multiple health concerns such as pododermatitis, overgrown toenails, anaemia, parasitic infestation and metabolic deficiencies.

Recognising the urgency of his condition, Wildlife SOS dispatched a team of veterinarians, caregivers and support staff to Assam, armed with medical equipment and provisions for the long journey. The elephant ambulance was outfitted with hydration systems and monitoring tools to provide round-the-clock care en route to Mathura.

Upon arrival, Vayu was gently welcomed into the hospital with fresh treats and calm handling, beginning what the organisation hopes will be a slow but steady road to recovery.

“This was a critical operation and also our first rescue from Assam,” said Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS.

“We discovered Vayu during our elephant health camps and immediately recognised the need for intervention. Our goal now is to improve his condition and give him a chance at a more dignified life,” said Kartick

Co-founder and Secretary Geeta Seshamani emphasised the organisation’s focus on reducing stress for the animal during such long-distance rescues. “Every step is planned in advance — from hydration to medication — to ensure the elephant feels safe and cared for throughout the journey,” she said.

Delhi