The First Free Rescue Mission by Vantara has become a symbol of hope for animal lovers across India. In Kerala’s Kottayam district, a 55-year-old elephant named Puthuppally Sadhu was battling for his life. Weak, dehydrated, and unable to eat for almost a month, his chances of survival were fading. But thanks to the timely intervention of Vantara’s expert team, Sadhu is alive and recovering today.
First Free Rescue Mission by Vantara – A Landmark Step
This case marks the First Free Rescue Mission by Vantara, India’s largest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center. Run by Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation, Vantara is dedicated to saving endangered and suffering animals through advanced veterinary care and modern facilities.
Sadhu’s rescue is historic not just because it saved one elephant, but because it set a new benchmark for wildlife treatment in India.
Sadhu’s Life-Threatening Condition
Sadhu’s health concerns were first raised by his owner, Puthen Varghese, who noticed the elephant had stopped eating and was losing energy rapidly. Through the Kerala Forest Department, he reached out to Vantara’s Rapid Response Team for urgent help.
On examination, Dr. Vaishakh Vishwam and his team discovered a shocking problem – a 32-kg fibrous mass inside Sadhu’s stomach. Alongside, he showed symptoms of elephantiasis and intestinal blockage, making his condition extremely critical.
Treatment and Recovery
The Vantara team acted quickly. Using a colonoscopy procedure, they managed to remove part of the mass, while the rest was naturally expelled nine days later. This marked the beginning of Sadhu’s recovery.
During the treatment, Sadhu was given 490 liters of a special liquid diet enriched with medicines, vitamins, and minerals. Slowly, the elephant regained his ability to drink water and showed visible improvement.
Sadhu: More Than Just an Elephant
Sadhu is a cultural icon in Kerala. He has participated in several temple festivals, carrying idols of deities during religious processions. His majestic presence earned him love and respect from devotees. That is why his illness created widespread concern, and his survival is now celebrated as a victory for both science and compassion.
The Larger Question
While this success is remarkable, it highlights a serious issue: Kerala lacks modern veterinary and diagnostic facilities for elephants. Many elephants die unnecessarily because treatment is not available on time.
According to P.S. Ravindranath, General Secretary of the Kerala Elephant Owners Federation, “If Kerala had facilities like Vantara, many more elephants could be saved.”
Key Facts About the First Free Rescue Mission by Vantara
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Mission | First Free Rescue Mission by Vantara |
| Elephant’s Name | Puthuppally Sadhu |
| Age | 55 years |
| Location | Kottayam, Kerala |
| Health Issue | 32-kg stomach mass, elephantiasis, intestinal blockage |
| Treatment | Colonoscopy + 490 liters of liquid diet |
| Outcome | Successful recovery |
| Significance | Landmark case in India’s wildlife healthcare |
Also read: Rehabilitation center will be built in Kolhapur: महादेवी हाथिनी को मिलेगा नया घर
Why the First Free Rescue Mission by Vantara Matters
The First Free Rescue Mission by Vantara is not just about saving one elephant – it is about proving that advanced veterinary science can rewrite the future of wildlife in India. Vantara’s work combines compassion with technology, creating a model that should be replicated across the country.
Also read: Vantara Hosts Flagship Veterinary Training Course on Conservation Medicine
Conclusion
The story of Puthuppally Sadhu reminds us that with the right facilities and expertise, even life-threatening conditions can be overcome. The First Free Rescue Mission by Vantara has not only given a new life to Sadhu but also offered hope for countless animals waiting for care and compassion.
This mission is a clear message: when humans come together with empathy and science, the bond between nature and mankind grows stronger.