Maya is an 18-month-old elephant calf from Kerala.
A medical board had recommended euthanasia for her, but she has now been moved for specialised treatment.
News9 reported the transfer on Friday, November 6. Maya was airlifted to Vantara's veterinary facility in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Vantara is the animal rescue centre run by Anant Ambani. Kerala's Chief Wildlife Warden ordered the transfer.
Key points
- Maya, 18 months old, was moved from Kerala to Vantara in Gujarat.
- A medical board had recommended euthanasia because her bones had weakened badly.
- Doctors are checking whether her condition can be treated. Her recovery is uncertain.
- Kerala Kaumudi reported that Vantara will bear the entire cost of her treatment.
How did Maya end up in trouble?
Maya was found near a riverbank in Kerala in April 2025, when she was a newborn.
Her herd had crossed the water and left her behind.
She was weak and dehydrated.
Forest officials took her to Abhayaranyam, where veterinarian Dr Binoy C Babu and a team of caregivers raised her by hand.
Over time, she became close to her caregivers, especially Nikhil Babu.
What went wrong with her health?
In July, Maya slipped while playing and hurt her shoulder. Her bones then grew more fragile.
By October, she had fractures in both front legs, a chest infection and pressure sores. She could no longer stand.
News9 reported that a veterinary board recommended euthanasia on October 29.
- April 2025Found near a Kerala riverbank as a newborn after her herd crossed the water and left her behind.
- JulySlipped while playing and hurt her shoulder; her bones then grew more fragile.
- October 29A veterinary board recommended euthanasia, and the Chief Wildlife Warden sought another opinion.
- November 6Airlifted to Vantara's veterinary facility in Jamnagar, Gujarat, for specialised treatment.
Graphic: News Anek, from the facts in this report
Chief Wildlife Warden Dr P Pugazhendi then sought another medical opinion.
The sources differ on the cause.
News9 said elephant veterinarian Dr Kushal Konwar Sarma suspected a parathyroid-related bone disorder.
Kerala Kaumudi described it as a genetic disorder.
What happens next for Maya?
Maya will get intensive care, pain management and more tests at Vantara.
Her move was carried out with life-support equipment, and Nikhil Babu travelled with her.
Sources also differ on the route. Kerala Kaumudi said she flew from Kochi to Mumbai, then went by ambulance to Vantara.
Asianet Newsable said she would fly from Nedumbassery airport to Jamnagar.
Vivaan Karani, CEO of Vantara, said, "Maya has fought for every single day of her life. Now it is our turn to fight for her."
The Kerala Forest Department will oversee her treatment. If she improves, she is expected to return to Abhayaranyam.
Doctors say her recovery remains uncertain.
Sources
- News9Live: Abandoned by her herd, being cared for by Vantara: The story of elephant calf Maya
- Kerala Kaumudi: Elephant calf facing euthanasia flown to Vantara; Anant Ambani to bear treatment expenses; Maya airlifted from Kochi to Mumbai
- Asianet Newsable: Anant Ambani Steps In To Save Kerala Baby Elephant, Recommended For Euthanasia; Here's What Happened Next
