A field update from Dr. Kushal Sarma:
I have just returned from a hectic trip. An elephant corridor was mistakenly allotted for an industry. The fallout: a two month old calf falls into a 12’ ditch dug for construction of a shed. The mother tries to rescue the baby and also falls in. Another female comes to their rescue and also falls into the ditch. The third elephant was not injured much and when machinery sliced off one side of the ditch, she was able to move out. The mother of the calf had head injuries and was unconscious until I arrived. Triamcinolone acetonide, mannitol and neurotropic vitamins did not help. It was determined her lumbar spine was broken and she had a cerebral concussion. She could not be saved. The calf was rescued and sent to a rescue center as he needed to be fed formula.
The following two days I organized health camps for 14 private elephants: 4 in Sonitpur district and 10 tourist elephants Kalita’s camp at Kaziranga National Park. There were two minor operations as well as the regular deworming and vaccinations.”
While we wish all field updates had happy outcomes that sadly is not the reality of the Asian elephant in range countries today. We are happy to be able to help Dr. Kushal and all the caring and dedicated veterinarians we work with – who are there to help, regardless the situation – and thank you so very much for your support!