Anant Ambani Vantara: An 18-month-old elephant calf named Maya, who has been battling multiple fractures and a serious health condition, has been airlifted from Kerala to Vantara’s specialised animal care facility in Jamnagar, Gujarat, for advanced medical treatment. The rescue operation was undertaken at the initiative of Anant Ambani, Founder of Vantara, after the calf’s health deteriorated significantly, leaving her unable to stand.
Maya’s journey from Kerala to Vantara marks the beginning of a new chapter. Hoping this fresh start brings her renewed strength, better health and many happier days ahead. #Vantara ❤️ https://t.co/8fgWyTSS8W
— Rajbir Mandal (@Rajbir_Mandal_) November 7, 2026
The specialised veterinary team will provide round-the-clock medical attention and explore every possible treatment option to help her recover. The transfer took place on November 6, 2026, following an official order issued by Kerala’s Chief Wildlife Warden, Dr. P. Pugazhendi, IFS. The operation involved a specialised life-support airlift, accompanied by veterinarians, veterinary assistants and caregivers to ensure Maya’s safety throughout the journey.
Maya’s Story: Abandoned as a Newborn, Raised by Kerala Forest Officials
Maya’s struggle for survival began shortly after her birth. On April 19, 2025, she was discovered alone on a riverbank near Kaprikkad in Kerala’s Malayattoor Forest Division. Her herd had crossed the river, leaving the newborn calf behind.
She was weak, dehydrated and had not received her mother’s first milk. Her condition was so fragile that she could not even suckle properly. Recognising the seriousness of her condition, Kerala Forest Department personnel took responsibility for her care.
Assistant Forest Veterinary Officer Dr. Binoy C. Babu and a dedicated team of forest caregivers looked after Maya around the clock. They provided regular feeding, medical attention and continuous support, helping the abandoned calf survive and grow. The caregivers named her Maya and remained closely involved in her upbringing.
Anant Ambani Vantara: Multiple Fractures Left Maya Unable to Stand
Maya’s health began deteriorating in July 2026 after she slipped while playing and injured her shoulder. Although the forest veterinary team tried several treatments, including physiotherapy, splints and nutritional supplements, her bone condition continued to worsen.
By late October 2026, her condition had become critical. She had developed fractures in both front legs and was no longer able to stand. She was also suffering from a chest infection and pressure sores, making her recovery increasingly difficult.
Despite continuous medical efforts, her prognosis remained serious. Concerned about her deteriorating condition, Kerala’s Chief Wildlife Warden decided to seek additional expert medical opinions to explore further treatment possibilities.
Vantara Experts Identify a Possible Medical Condition
Padma Shri Dr. Kushal Konwar Sarma, a renowned elephant veterinarian and Veterinary Advisor to Vantara, examined Maya’s medical condition and identified a possible parathyroid-related disorder that could be contributing to her fragile bones.
Dr. Yaduraj Khadpekar, Head Veterinarian at Vantara’s Elephant Care Centre, supported the assessment. Following discussions and medical evaluation, the Medical Board unanimously agreed that Maya should be transferred to Vantara for specialised treatment and intensive care. The decision opened a new possibility for the young elephant calf, whose condition had become increasingly difficult to manage.
Specialised Airlift and Round-the-Clock Treatment at Vantara
On November 6, Vantara mobilised its specialised veterinary team to transport Maya from Kerala to its intensive hospitalisation facility in Jamnagar. The airlift included three Vantara elephant veterinarians, paravets and caregivers. Importantly, Dr. Binoy C. Babu and Maya’s familiar caregiver, Nikhil Babu, also accompanied her during the journey to provide continuity of care and emotional reassurance.
At Vantara, Maya will receive round-the-clock medical monitoring, pain management and advanced diagnostic investigations. Her treatment plan will also include hydraulic lifting support to help manage her mobility and hydrotherapy wherever medically appropriate. The veterinary team will closely monitor her condition and determine the next steps based on her response to treatment.
Kerala Forest Department to Remain Responsible for Maya’s Care
An important aspect of the transfer is that Kerala will continue to remain in charge of Maya’s care. Vantara will provide specialised medical infrastructure, veterinary expertise and treatment support during her recovery.
Once the treatment is completed, Vantara will facilitate Maya’s return to Abhayaranyam in Kerala, where she can continue her journey under the care of the forest authorities and her familiar caregivers.
Anant Ambani Vantara CEO Appeals for Prayers for Maya
Commenting on the rescue and treatment initiative, Vivaan Karani, CEO of Vantara, said Maya had fought for every single day of her life and that the veterinary team would now fight alongside her. He emphasised that the team would remain by her side throughout the treatment and appealed to people to keep the young elephant in their prayers. He also highlighted the importance of every animal life and the responsibility to provide care and support to animals in need.
Maya’s medical prognosis remains uncertain, and her recovery is expected to be challenging. However, the specialised treatment at Vantara has opened another opportunity for the young elephant to fight for her life.
Vantara’s Commitment to Wildlife Rescue and Conservation
Founded by Anant Ambani, Vantara, meaning ‘Star of the Forest’, is a wildlife rescue, care, welfare and conservation initiative based in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The organisation combines specialised veterinary medicine, modern infrastructure and multidisciplinary expertise to support animal rescue, medical treatment, rehabilitation and lifelong care. It works with government authorities and conservation partners in India and internationally.
Its activities include wildlife rescue, ex-situ conservation, rehabilitation and the return of animals to their natural habitats wherever appropriate. Vantara also supports native species recovery, habitat restoration and initiatives to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Maya’s transfer from Kerala to Jamnagar highlights the importance of specialised veterinary intervention and cooperation between government forest authorities and wildlife care organisations. While the road to recovery remains uncertain, the young elephant is now receiving dedicated medical attention and another chance at life.
