Nina

NINA'S REHABILITATION STORY

It is not unusual for elephants to be adorned in heavy ornamental garbs and painted to be present at wedding ceremonies in India. It does not, however, make it right or ethical, as the cacophony of the traffic and the loud orchestra that surrounds the elephant makes them anxious and uncomfortable. Nina suffered in a similar way as she would be painted in bright colours for these ceremonies, with chalk paint peeling through her skin. Nina’s loss of sight only made it harder for her with every step she took as she spent hours, and often days, walking on hot tarmac roads. Nina possibly suffered a grave fall, which was left untreated, thus permanently damaging her right hind limb.

Nearly 60 years of age, Nina needed rest and retirement from her exhausting life along with proper medical aid.  Nina was nervous during the journey to the Wildlife SOS Treatment Unit but our elephant care staff comforted her by feeding her watermelons and making frequent pit-stops for a quick shower to keep her cool and refreshed.

She was exhausted after a 24 hour long journey but she showed unparalleled strength and faith in our team. Nina’s preliminary medical analysis shows that she suffers from a severely ankylosed right hind limb along with arthritis that affects her hind quarters. There is inflammation along her spine caused by the crushing weight of the saddle that she carried on her back for most part of the day. For now, the veterinary team’s priority is to ensure that she settles in well, which will be a long and challenging process due to her impaired vision. 

She will undergo regular laser therapy sessions which will spell relief for her at a cellular level and help manage pain and discomfort. 

We have charted out a healthy, nutritious diet for her and her weight will be closely monitored to ensure that that her limbs are not overburdened with weight gain. Curiously lifting her trunk and assessing the new smells around her, each day Nina makes progress, being the brave elephant that she is!