Lakshmi

LAKSHMI'S REHABILITATION STORY

All skin and bones and severely malnourished, Lakshmi was exploited for begging and commercial use. Her bent knees and bony projections which are visibly clear indicate that she was a victim of prolonged malnourishment. The approx. 30-year-old 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 lifelong care under Wildlife SOS.

Being termed India’s skinniest elephant was by no means an exaggeration since Lakshmi was suffering from a host of ailments apart from her visibly emaciated and thin appearance. An extremely bulged and protruding spine with lack of fat and muscles, bent knees and abnormally deviated limbs were some of the features characterising her morphological features. Medical examination further revealed that she was suffering from severe lameness, chronic arthritis and joint deformities, painful abscesses on her hips and had ankush wounds on her ears and body.

Keeping her critical condition in mind, we made sure that the Elephant Ambulance was bolstered with all the necessary equipment such as cushions, rubber mats, sling support as well as jumbo jackets and tarpaulin covers to protect her from the piercing cold. We even made sure to put hay on top of the mats to provide extra cushioning for her weak limbs. The ambulance was also loaded with necessary fodder and drinking water to look after any kind of discomfort she could have faced during the journey.

With an extensive, long-term treatment plan, our veterinarians are ensuring  that Lakshmi gets proper nourishment, rest and pain management to stabilise her condition, as well necessary foot care to avoid toenail abscesses and other footpad related problems. We hope this will help Lakshmi in her healing journey and she will soon start adapting to life in her new home, surrounded by an atmosphere full of love and care.