72-Year-Old Begging Elephant Battles For Life In Udaipur Amidst Severe Foot Injury, Experts Step In To Treat

Udaipur, May 13 (TNA) Ramu, a nearly 72-year-old female begging elephant accommodated at the Aavri Mata Temple in Udaipur, is in critical condition after collapsing due to detached footpads. This has left her immobile and suffering from advanced foot rot.

The chronic infection has caused her toenails to fall off, leading to open wounds, extreme swelling, and a massive bedsore with signs of necrosis. Wildlife SOS, in collaboration with the Rajasthan Forest Department, has stepped in to assist in her care, deploying advanced medical intervention, including portable X-ray diagnostics, laser therapy, and daily wound dressings.

According to veterinarians attending to Ramu, her condition is dire. She is unable to stand or move independently and is being repositioned every 36 hours using a hydra crane to prevent further deterioration. The elephant is being stabilised with 40 to 60 litres of intravenous fluids administered daily. A cooling system, cushioned tent bedding, and round-the-clock care have been arranged to ensure her comfort.

Ramu has been begging on the streets since 1992 after being brought from the Sonepur cattle fair in Bihar. Her decades in captivity have now culminated in a medical emergency that experts say could have been prevented with timely intervention.

In April 2024, following a comprehensive veterinary assessment, the Chief Wildlife Warden of Rajasthan submitted a detailed report to a High-Powered Committee recommending the relocation of both Ramu and Moti—another 42-year-old female elephant, to a specialised rescue centre. A decision was taken by the High-Powered Committee to shift both these elephants to India’s first Elephant Hospital in Mathura, operated by Wildlife SOS in partnership with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department. The committee unanimously approved the transfer, citing the urgent need for advanced medical care.

However, despite the written orders, the owners of these elephants and mahout have refused to comply, resulting in a tragic delay in Ramu's access to specialist care. Now, Ramu’s condition has deteriorated to a point where relocation is no longer a viable option.

“It is heartbreaking to see Ramu in this state. Her suffering could have been significantly mitigated had she received the specialised care available at our Elephant Hospital in Mathura,” said Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS. “This situation highlights the urgent need for enforcement of relocation orders when animal welfare is at stake.”

Baiju Raj M.V, Director of Conservation Projects at Wildlife SOS, added, “Chronic foot rot is a debilitating condition that requires sustained, expert treatment. Ramu’s collapse should serve as a stark warning. If Moti is not shifted to the hospital soon, she may face a similar tragic fate. This continued non-compliance is not just a legal issue—it’s a matter of life and death.”

As of now, Moti’s health is also reportedly declining. Experts warn that immediate action must be taken to relocate her before her condition mirrors Ramu’s irreversible state. Wildlife SOS continues to provide emergency medical support on-site but also urges the authorities to take swift, decisive action to enforce the High-Powered Committee's directive and prevent further suffering.