VAYU
Year of arrival: 2025
Age at the time of arrival: approximately 52 years old
Sex: Male
Recognisable features: Large tusker with an abnormal gait, crippled left forelimb
Health condition when rescued: Severely malnourished, anaemic; ankylosis of the left elbow joint, osteoarthritis, abnormal limb posture, overgrown toenails, extremely thin foot pads, pododermatitis
Facility: Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC)
Favourite food: Bananas
Background: Vayu was used for logging in the dense forests of Northeast India for over two decades. However, a fall left his left forelimb fractured, which resulted in a permanently disrupted gait and rendered him unfit for this task. Minimal medical intervention led to Vayu’s malnourishment, and the frail elephant’s physical condition worsened. Wildlife SOS secured permission to bring him to the Elephant Hospital Campus for treatment and specialised care. | READ MORE ABOUT VAYU
VAYU’S STORY
Vayu was being used as a logging elephant till he suffered from a life-altering fall that broke his left forelimb. As the fracture healed improperly, it led to a malunion and eventually caused ankylosis — a condition that left him permanently disabled.
His condition worsened over time— he developed an abnormal, circular gait, and as his other legs compensated for the broken limb, his joints were affected as well. Recognising they could no longer meet his medical needs, Vayu’s owners made the decision to surrender him to Wildlife SOS for long term treatment and care.
When we first came across Vayu, Wildlife SOS was laying the foundation to launch Haathi Sewa — India’s 1st mobile elephant clinic. At the time, the bull elephant was tied to a tree, but his deteriorated physical condition was immediately apparent to the medical experts on site.
Close examination by Wildlife SOS revealed that Vayu’s toenails were grossly overgrown and his foot pads had worn out due to uneven weight-bearing. Taking every step to move was a struggle for the tusker. He also suffered from anaemia and reduced calcium levels, further weakening his fragile frame.
Thanks to the support and cooperation of the Assam Forest Department and the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, Wildlife SOS is able to prepare for Vayu’s safe transfer and arrival at the Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC) soon, where he could receive the medical attention he so desperately needs.