For almost six decades, a bell clung to Manu like an unshakable shadow, a constant reminder of his captivity. Every step he took was marked by its melancholic ring, echoing the weight of restraint he had borne for far too long, a stark reminder of his life as a ‘begging’ elephant. But now, as he is taking his first steps towards healing at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital Campus, Manu is finally free of the burden as the bell has been removed, and with it, another chain linking him to his past has been broken.
The bell removal ceremony was carried out with care by Mr. Baiju Raj M. V., Director of Conservation Projects at Wildlife SOS. Given Manu’s blindness and his tendency to hear the sound of the bell tied to his neck, our veterinarians wondered how he would react to its absence. Yet, true to his spirit, and much to our relief, Manu accepted the change with quiet grace, as if he knew this was the next step in his journey to freedom.
Healing is not just about recovering from wounds; it is also about building trust in humane care. Elephants that establish this faith acquire an inner strength and a positive spirit. While Manu still has a long way to go, he has already taken his first brave strides towards recovery, accepting the aid of his caregivers and veterinarians who have been working tirelessly to treat his numerous health issues, ensuring he receives the best possible care.
Treatment and Healing
One of the most pressing concerns is an abscess Manu has on his right hip, a result of the immense pressure he faced from the fall he had suffered before his rescue. This abscess has now opened, and requires our veterinary team to clean and treat it. The wound is regularly flushed with normal saline solution and povidone-iodine before antimicrobial and antiseptic dressings are laid on it. This diligent care is helping the wound to heal.
Manu also has several other wounds, including one on his right temporal region and injuries on his elbows, all of which are receiving similar focussed treatment. To prevent infection, these wounds are cleaned with antiseptic solutions, treated with silver sulphide, iodine, and calendula powder, and are protected using fly repellents. His foot pad abscesses are also being closely monitored, with regular foot baths and pedicures forming an essential part of his regimen. His caregivers also administer eye drops as needed to address any discharge noticed.
Adjusting to Life at the Hospital
A true highlight of Manu’s day is his time in the hydrotherapy pool. For hours, he revels in the water’s embrace, rolling, spraying, and wallowing in playful abandon. The buoyancy of the water provides relief from the pressure on his aching legs, making his time in the pool not just enjoyable but also therapeutic. In fact, he loves this so much that caregivers often have to tempt him with treats to coax him out of the water!
Despite his blindness, Manu has proven to be an inquisitive and intelligent explorer. He uses his trunk to navigate his enclosure, relying on his heightened senses of touch and smell to map his new home. In addition to his regular feedings, our caregivers have introduced food enrichment devices such as cage feeders and hanging feeders to encourage his natural foraging instincts. Though slow to master using them, Manu’s painstakingly long labour ends up with him pulling out enormous bundles of food at once, unaware that smaller bites would be easier and faster to reach. However, his sharp and perceptive nature is gradually lessening his time to get to his enrichment treats, an effort that keeps him mentally engaged and entertained.
Additionally, target training sessions have been initiated for Manu, and these include positive reinforcements in the form of delicious treats to help him become comfortable with medical procedures. This training allows our veterinarians to conduct treatments and examinations in a manner that is stress-free for him. Currently, he is learning to lift his feet, a crucial step in his ongoing foot care.
Manu’s resilience and adaptability are truly inspiring, but his healing journey is far from over. Continuous medical care, specialised nutrition, and suitable enrichments are being provided for Manu’s health and contentment.
With your support, we can continue to give Manu the life he deserves—free from pain, full of kindness, and rich with joy. Become part of Manu’s healing journey. Sponsor Manu, become a monthly supporter of Wildlife SOS, or make a one-time gift here.
Feature image: Vineet Singh/ Wildlife SOS
