Anant Ambani-founded Vantara has stepped in to provide specialised medical treatment to Maya, an 18-month-old elephant calf from Kerala that was facing the possibility of euthanasia. The calf was airlifted from Abhayaranyam, a wildlife rescue centre in Kodanad, Ernakulam district, to Vantara in Jamnagar, Gujarat, on November 6.
The transfer followed a request from Kerala Forest Department officials to explore further treatment options before taking an irreversible decision. Vantara will bear the cost of Maya’s treatment and provide advanced veterinary care.
Maya’s Health Condition
Maya was found abandoned as a newborn near Kaprikkad in the Malayattoor forest division in April 2025. She was rescued and raised by the Kerala Forest Department at Abhayaranyam.
Born with a skeletal deformity and a serious bone condition, Maya’s health deteriorated after she suffered a fall on July 2, 2026. The accident injured her shoulder, and her condition worsened despite physiotherapy and nutritional support. She eventually became unable to stand.
Medical examinations revealed multiple fractures, weakened bones and a chest infection. A health monitoring committee recommended euthanasia on October 29, citing her critical condition and the limited treatment facilities available locally.
Specialised Treatment at Vantara
Following consultations with Vantara’s veterinary specialists, Kerala officials decided to transfer Maya for further medical intervention. The centre has proposed a treatment programme of at least six months, with advanced diagnostics, round-the-clock monitoring, pain management and specialised support.
The calf was transported in a specially prepared arrangement on a chartered flight, accompanied by a veterinary doctor and her familiar mahout, Nikhil Babu. He will remain with Maya during her treatment to provide continuity of care.
The Kerala Forest Department will continue to monitor her progress. Vantara has also said it will facilitate Maya’s return to Abhayaranyam in Kerala once her treatment is completed. Her recovery remains uncertain, but the transfer offers an opportunity to explore further medical options.
