Flood survivor elephant ‘Joymoti’ airlifted from Northeast to Vantara for treatment

Joymoti, a 53-year-old female elephant rescued after devastating floods in Nagaland and Assam in July, has been airlifted to Vantara in Jamnagar for urgent and specialised veterinary treatment.

Joymoti was swept away by floodwaters in Nagaland during the second week of July. Local communities, with support from government agencies, later rescued her.

The elephant suffered several injuries in the incident, including wounds on her forehead, right ear, the area above her tail, left inner thigh and abdomen. She also had a deep wound around her external genital area that had become infested with maggots.

Her right eye has suffered severe damage, leaving her blind in that eye and causing persistent watering.

Joymoti also has a long-standing problem with her left hind leg after suffering a fracture during logging. The injury has affected her ability to walk normally and makes it difficult for her to reach food and water.

After her rescue, she was given first aid and basic veterinary treatment locally. This included wound dressing, pain medication, multivitamin and mineral supplements and other supportive care.

However, doctors determined that her multiple and serious injuries, advanced age and existing mobility problems required treatment at a specialised veterinary hospital.

Her transfer to Vantara was carried out specifically to provide immediate and specialised medical care. The decision to airlift her was taken considering her health and welfare, while also reducing the time and physical strain associated with a long journey by road.

At Vantara, Joymoti will undergo a detailed veterinary examination. She will receive treatment for her injuries and damaged eye, along with nutritional and other supportive care based on her medical needs.

This comes days after a teenager from West Bengal, who had been spending long periods in ponds to ease a severe burning sensation on his body, was airlifted to Mumbai for specialised medical treatment.

Iqbal, a resident of Beldanga, reportedly began staying in ponds for hours, including overnight, because leaving the water triggered an intense burning sensation across his body. A video showing him eating snacks while remaining underwater went viral on social media, drawing attention to his condition.

Following the circulation of the footage, a team of medical specialists examined Iqbal. Anant Ambani later offered medical assistance to the teenager's family and arranged for him to be taken to Mumbai for further evaluation and treatment.

Iqbal was subsequently admitted to Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, where doctors began a detailed assessment of his condition and started treatment.

His parents said they had previously taken him to doctors for medical care, but his condition had not improved significantly. They also said the family was unable to afford prolonged treatment, making it difficult to continue seeking specialised medical help.

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