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Kerala elephant calf airlifted to Gujarat for bone disorder treatment

A young elephant suffering from a genetic bone disorder that has left it unable to stand or walk has been transported from Kerala to a specialist facility in Gujarat. The calf's condition deteriorated following a fall in July, prompting medical intervention.

LSN India · 6 November 2026

Kerala elephant calf airlifted to Gujarat for bone disorder treatment

An elephant calf afflicted with a congenital bone disorder has been airlifted from Kerala to Vantara, a specialised wildlife care facility in Gujarat, for advanced treatment. The young animal's mobility has been severely compromised by the genetic condition, rendering it unable to stand or walk independently.

The calf sustained an additional injury during a fall in July, which led to a further decline in its health status. Given the complexity of the condition and the need for specialist veterinary care, authorities arranged the long-distance transfer to ensure the animal received optimal treatment options.

Vantara, located in Anand district of Gujarat, is known for its advanced facilities and expertise in treating wildlife with complex medical conditions. The facility has previously handled cases involving injured and ailing animals requiring intensive care and rehabilitation.

The airlifting operation represents a coordinated effort between Kerala's wildlife authorities and the Gujarat-based sanctuary to provide the calf with the best chance of recovery. Specialists at Vantara will conduct comprehensive assessments to develop a targeted treatment protocol addressing both the underlying genetic disorder and the injury sustained during the fall.