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Agriculture
Kerala to Airlift Critical Elephant Calf Maya to Vantara for Specialized Care
✍️ Hindustan Times
🗓 06 Nov 2026, 08:51 PM
👁 6
Kerala's forest department will airlift rescued calf Maya, found abandoned near Kaprikkad on April 19, to Vantara wildlife centre for urgent specialised treatment.
The Kerala forest department rescued a newborn elephant calf, named Maya, on April 19 after it was discovered abandoned near the village of Kaprikkad in the Malayattoor division. Veterinary assessments indicated that the calf is in a critical condition requiring advanced medical care not available locally.
Authorities have arranged for an airlift operation to transport Maya to Vantara, a specialised wildlife treatment centre equipped to handle complex cases involving large mammals. The plan involves a helicopter equipped with a custom stretcher and a team of wildlife veterinarians who will monitor the calf throughout the flight.
The move underscores the state's commitment to wildlife conservation and highlights the growing capacity of Kerala's forest officials to respond swiftly to emergencies involving protected species. Officials expect Maya to receive intensive care at Vantara within the next 24 hours, after which her progress will be closely monitored.
Local residents who reported the abandoned calf have been informed of the rescue operation, and the forest department has urged the public to report any similar incidents promptly to ensure timely intervention.
Authorities have arranged for an airlift operation to transport Maya to Vantara, a specialised wildlife treatment centre equipped to handle complex cases involving large mammals. The plan involves a helicopter equipped with a custom stretcher and a team of wildlife veterinarians who will monitor the calf throughout the flight.
The move underscores the state's commitment to wildlife conservation and highlights the growing capacity of Kerala's forest officials to respond swiftly to emergencies involving protected species. Officials expect Maya to receive intensive care at Vantara within the next 24 hours, after which her progress will be closely monitored.
Local residents who reported the abandoned calf have been informed of the rescue operation, and the forest department has urged the public to report any similar incidents promptly to ensure timely intervention.