Bhubaneswar: A male elephant under treatment at Nandankanan Zoological Park, on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, after being rescued from Karanjia Forest Division died on Wednesday.
The animal of around 5–6 years was brought to the zoo on January 6. It had sustained severe spinal injuries after falling into an abandoned quarry at Pokamunda village in Keonjhar district. The fall had led to the paralysis of its hindquarters and it was unable to bear weight on its hind limbs.
The zoo’s veterinary team along with experts from the Centre for Wildlife Health (CWH), conducted comprehensive examinations, including X-rays and blood tests. The diagnosis confirmed lumbar vertebral disc dislocation or compression as the cause of the paralysis.
To aid its recovery, the elephant was placed in a supportive sling, and treated through fluid therapy, antibiotics, neurotonics, laxatives, and diuretics. Gentle hot fomentation was applied to the injured area, and the animal was fed grasses, tree leaves, and banana plants. However, due to its condition, it could not pass stool independently, requiring regular manual removal of faecal boluses.
As the animal’s condition showed no significant improvement, a customized trevis structure was introduced on January 16 to provide additional support. However, the elephant displayed signs of discomfort while being on the structure, following which it was placed on soft bedding.
The zoo’s Health Committee reviewed the case on January 6 and January 16, but despite the dedicated care and intervention by the veterinary team, the elephant succumbed to its injuries this morning.
