Kolhapur's elephant Madhuri to return home after year-long arthritis treatment

Madhuri, the elephant from Kolhapur's Nandani math, is set to return to her home region. She had been undergoing treatment and rehabilitation for over a year at Vantara, a wildlife rehabilitation and conservation centre in Jamnagar. Her health has now improved enough for her to make the return journey.

When Madhuri was brought to Vantara, her condition was very serious. She had advanced arthritis, long-standing leg ailments and severe difficulty walking and moving. Her movement had been restricted for years, a condition worsened by having to constantly stand on hard concrete surfaces. She had also been kept chained for long periods, which stopped her natural movement and caused her joints to stiffen further. Despite her deteriorating health, she was used in festivals and processions, made to walk long distances on hot tar roads while tied with ropes.

At the Vantara centre, under the guidance of Anant Ambani, a team of experts from various fields treated Madhuri. The treatment focused on restoring her physical health, mobility and mental wellbeing.

Over the past year, a team of veterinarians, caretaking staff, nutritionists and behavioural experts ran an intensive rehabilitation programme for Madhuri. This included hydrotherapy, laser therapy, a special diet, dedicated foot care and continuous monitoring. The treatment focused on improving her mobility, reducing her chronic ailments and improving her overall health.

Alongside physical treatment, equal emphasis was placed on Madhuri's psychological rehabilitation. In Vantara's safe and open environment, she got the opportunity to live with and bond with other elephants. After years of confined and restricted life, this companionship helped restore in her a sense of safety and stability.

Before Madhuri's return, a High Powered Committee (HPC) appointed by the Supreme Court inspected her improved health. Only after that were the approvals and transit permit needed to move her from Gujarat to Maharashtra granted.

Madhuri's journey will begin from Vantara in a specially prepared elephant ambulance. Vantara's veterinary and caretaking team will accompany her throughout the journey to ensure she is not distressed, stays safe and remains under continuous medical supervision.

Madhuri's return marks not just the end of a year-long course of treatment and rehabilitation, but also the fulfilment of a commitment made by Vantara. Keeping his pledge for Madhuri's welfare, Anant Ambani ensured she received full treatment and rehabilitation at Vantara. After a thorough assessment of her health and progress, Madhuri has now been declared medically fit to return and is ready to go back to Kolhapur.