Rescued from Assam, ailing elephant Maniki begins a new chapter at Anant Ambani's Vantara

After years of suffering, a 48-year-old elephant named Maniki has been safely transported to Vantara in Jamnagar for advanced treatment and long-term care.Maniki's plight gained public attention when a video surfaced showing her limping painfully along a highway in Assam while she was being taken for medical treatment.

The visuals sparked widespread concern, prompting animal welfare advocates and citizens to sign petitions and appeal for urgent intervention.The elephant has been enduring multiple health issues, including a long-standing deformity in her left front leg that severely impaired her gait and mobility. Additional age-related complications include infected wounds, dehydration, poor body condition, and impaired vision in one eye.

Recognising the need for sustained hospital-based care, her owner, Ruchi Chetia, submitted a request to the Supreme Court appointed committee for the rescue and care of suffering wild animals. Chetia asked that Maniki be transferred to Vantara. Following necessary approvals from the committee as well as the state governments of Assam and Gujarat, the transfer was successfully completed.A spokesperson for Vantara stated that Maniki's health report necessitates comprehensive veterinary attention within a protected and specialised care environment.

The immediate medical priorities involve pain management through medication, acupuncture, and hydrotherapy, alongside nutritional rehabilitation and careful wound care.

Beyond medical intervention, Maniki will live in an environment designed for her specific comfort and wellbeing. The facility features soft soil and natural substrates to ease the pressure on her injured leg. She will also have access to natural ponds to help relieve the weight on her limbs, alongside opportunities for natural foraging and the companionship of other elephants.The Vantara spokesperson expressed gratitude to the authorities for their timely support and to Chetia for making the informed decision that enabled this urgent transfer. With the necessary approvals secured, Maniki will no longer have to endure painful walks. At her new permanent home, she will receive the daily care and dignity she requires for a peaceful recovery.

Founded by Anant Ambani, Vantara is a global animal welfare and conservation organisation. It is dedicated to the rescue, treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care of animals in need. Supported by advanced multi-speciality wildlife hospitals, including one of the largest elephant hospitals in the world, Vantara provides species-specific care and works in collaboration with government authorities and partner organisations to support global wildlife conservation .