Kerala has always been known for its deep cultural bond with elephants, and among them, Puthuppally Sadhu, a 55-year-old jumbo from Kottayam, holds a special place. A celebrated presence in temple festivals, rituals, and even films, Sadhu commands a massive fan following across Kerala. But recently, this much-loved elephant faced one of the toughest health battles of his life, bringing together expert veterinarians, the Kerala Forest Department, and Reliance Foundation’s Vantara, a wildlife rehabilitation initiative based in Gujarat.
The mission was led by Dr. Vaisakh Viswom, a young Thrissur-based veterinarian, who took charge of Vantara’s first-ever outreach program in Kerala. His timely intervention, along with a dedicated team of veterinary specialists, saved Sadhu from a life-threatening intestinal condition.
The Crisis Begins: Sadhu Stops Eating
Sadhu’s health troubles began when he stopped eating and drinking properly. According to his owner, Pothen Varghese, Sadhu had gone 17 days without food. Despite initial treatments from local veterinarians and the assistance of forest officials, there was no visible improvement. Growing desperate, Varghese reported the situation to the Chief Wildlife Warden on August 4, seeking advanced medical help.
Understanding the gravity of the case, the Kerala Forest Department reached out to Vantara, which immediately responded. Vantara’s veterinary team first assessed Sadhu’s condition through a video consultation on August 7 and continued to monitor him remotely. But as days passed without improvement, Varghese’s concerns grew stronger.
The Arrival of Vantara’s Rapid Response Team
On August 14, Varghese once again raised an alarm, forcing authorities to escalate the matter. The very next day, Vantara dispatched a Rapid Response Team to Kerala, equipped with advanced medical kits and life-saving equipment.
Dr. Vaisakh, a veterinary consultant at Vantara, was chosen to lead the mission. He was supported by veterinarians Dr. Amar Gharat and Dr. Pritesh Tayade, along with media coordinator Samagra Bharadwaj. This marked a historic step — Vantara’s first official elephant rescue mission in Kerala.
Intensive Treatment Begins
Treatment formally began on August 16. By this time, Sadhu was extremely weak due to lack of food and water intake. According to Dr. Vaisakh, the team’s first priority was to stabilize Sadhu and restore his intestinal movement.
To achieve this, the team administered:
- Around 80 liters of IV fluids daily
- Rectal rehydration therapy
- Liquid paraffin for bowel movement
- Pain relief medicines
- Ayurvedic castor oil massages to ease digestion
This combination of modern and traditional techniques gave the elephant some much-needed relief.
The Turning Point: Colonoscopy Reveals the Problem
On August 18, the medical team performed a colonoscopy, which turned out to be the turning point in Sadhu’s treatment. The test revealed an impacted intestinal mass located about five feet from the anal opening.
Explaining the situation, Dr. Vaisakh said:
“This condition was linked to peristalsis failure (contraction of intestinal muscles that move food). It is one of the leading causes of elephant deaths, often triggered by overeating, chewing fibrous food improperly, or drinking insufficient water.”
Varghese, the elephant’s owner, suspected that Sadhu’s illness may have been caused during an Anayoottu ritual (elephant feeding ceremony), where the jumbo may have swallowed sugarcane pieces without properly chewing them.
Removing the 32-kg Blockage
The treatment continued over the following days. A second colonoscopy on August 21 showed that the mass had moved closer. Finally, on August 25, the veterinary team successfully manually removed a 32-kg intestinal blockage.
The results were immediate. On the same day, Sadhu passed dung naturally during his morning walk, marking the beginning of his recovery. Soon after, he regained his appetite, started drinking water again, and showed signs of renewed energy.
Recovery and Monitoring
Even during treatment, Dr. Vaisakh noted that Sadhu remained remarkably calm and cooperative, a trait that helped the veterinarians carry out delicate procedures. The team recommended a 15-day recovery diet, strict monitoring of food intake, and controlled physical activity. This was especially important because elephants like Sadhu are in constant demand for temple festivals and long journeys, which can strain their digestive health.
Gratitude from the Owner
Varghese, who owns three more elephants, expressed immense relief after Sadhu’s recovery. He said:
“Our local vets know the condition well, but they lack the necessary equipment. Vantara’s expertise and tools made all the difference.”
The total treatment cost was under ₹1 lakh, which was borne by the owner, while Vantara covered all travel and equipment expenses.
Why This Mission Matters
This mission stands out for multiple reasons:
- Kerala’s first Vantara outreach mission – showing the importance of collaboration between local authorities and national-level wildlife organizations.
- Blending modern and traditional medicine – the use of IV fluids, colonoscopy, and Ayurvedic therapies in tandem.
- Awareness of dietary risks – highlighting the dangers of fibrous food and feeding rituals like Anayoottu, where elephants may consume food improperly.
- Role of trained veterinarians – emphasizing how specialized skills and advanced tools can make a life-or-death difference for captive elephants.
Also read: Vantara’s Rapid Response Team Reaches Punjab to Rescue Flood-Affected Animals
The Larger Message
Elephants like Sadhu are not just animals but symbols of Kerala’s cultural heritage. They play key roles in temple rituals, festivals like Thrissur Pooram, and even entertainment industries. However, their health and welfare often take a back seat in the rush of festivities.
The case of Puthuppally Sadhu is a reminder of the urgent need for specialized veterinary care, proper monitoring of diet, and greater awareness among elephant owners and festival committees. With rising concerns about captive elephant welfare in Kerala, missions like this bring hope for better healthcare support systems.
Conclusion
Thanks to the combined efforts of Dr. Vaisakh Viswom, his team, Vantara, and the Kerala Forest Department, Puthuppally Sadhu survived a near-fatal intestinal blockage. The mission not only saved the life of one of Kerala’s most beloved elephants but also showcased the importance of advanced veterinary interventions in wildlife care.
As Sadhu continues his recovery, this story serves as an inspiring example of how science, tradition, and compassion can come together to protect India’s majestic jumbos.