Lakshmi
Year of arrival: 2021
Age at the time of arrival: Approximately 30 years old
Sex: Female
Recognisable features: Deviated hindlimbs
Health condition when rescued: Chronic abscesses, overgrown toenails, arthritis, abnormally deviated limbs; bony, protruding spine, severe wound along spine, bullhook injuries, sunken temple; debility due to long term deprivation of food and water; head seemed larger than body due to prolonged malnourishment
Facility: Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC)
Favourite food: Peanuts she receives as treats!
Favourite activities: Playing with tyre enrichment in the pool and taking mud baths
Background: Lakshmi had been working as a ‘begging’ elephant for three decades of her life. Prolonged and abject malnourishment led to her being known as “India’s skinniest elephant”. Lack of sustenance caused Lakshmi to have bent knees and visible bony projections along her spine as well. She was rescued and kept in a Madhya Pradesh Forest Department facility, following which she was transferred to the Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital for much-needed medical attention and specialised care. | READ MORE ABOUT LAKSHMI
LAKSHMI’S STORY
All skin and bones and severely malnourished, Lakshmi was exploited as a ‘begging’ elephant. Her bent knees and bony projections indicated that she was a victim of prolonged malnourishment. The ailing elephant was rescued from a lifetime of abuse and neglect in a joint operation by Wildlife SOS and the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department. She was then transferred for long-term care under Wildlife SOS.
Lakshmi’s sorry condition led to media coverage and she came to be known as “India’s skinniest elephant”. This was no exaggeration since Lakshmi appeared severely emaciated, making her head seem larger than her body. An extremely bulged and protruding spine that lacked fat and muscles, her bent knees and abnormally deviated limbs — all were evident physical deformities. A closer medical examination further revealed that Lakshmi was suffering from severe lameness, chronic arthritis and joint deformities, painful abscesses on her hips, and had ankush (bullhook) wounds on her ears and body.
Her rescue took place in the winter of 2021, and keeping her critical condition in mind, we made sure that the Elephant Ambulance bringing Lakshmi to EHC was bolstered with all the necessary equipment such as cushions, rubber mats, sling support as well as jumbo jackets and tarpaulin covers to protect Lakshmi from piercing cold. The team also placed hay on top of the mats to provide extra cushioning for her weak limbs. The ambulance was loaded with ample fodder and drinking water to prevent any kind of discomfort for Lakshmi.
Upon her arrival at the Elephant Hospital, the medical team began an extensive, long-term treatment plan to stabilise Lakshmi’s condition. Pain management as well as necessary foot care was prescribed to avoid toenail abscesses and other foot pad related problems. Priority was placed on Lakshmi’s nourishment, which has helped Lakshmi gain physical strength. She continues to receive constant medical attention, and is surrounded by love and care that she had never experienced before.