Elephant Calf to Be Flown From Kerala to Gujarat for Specialised Treatment

An 18-month-old elephant calf suffering from a genetic bone disorder and unable to stand or walk will be flown to Jamnagar in Gujarat on Friday for specialised treatment at Vantara, the Kerala Forest Department said.

The calf, weighing around 125 to 130 kg, was shifted from its treatment facility at Kodanad elephant centre here to an animal ambulance with the help of 10 to 12 people and a crane.

The calf was subsequently loaded onto a specially arranged animal ambulance



and taken to Nedumbassery airport, from where a chartered flight, accompanied by veterinary experts, was scheduled to depart for Jamnagar by noon, officials said.

Chief Wildlife Warden P Pugazhendi told reporters that the calf had been brought to Kodanad soon after its birth and was being provided treatment there.

"Unfortunately, it fell once, following which we realised that it had certain genetic disorders. It was found to have osteopenia, a bone-related disorder," he said.