Last Updated: February 27, 2024, 15:23 IST
Pictures show Motiprasad’s transformation. (News18)
Despite the initial hurdles, Vantara’s team employed innovative techniques to provide care for the elephant from a distance. The Bosch car washer was used to cleanse his wounds and long bamboo sticks were used to apply ointment
For Motiprasad, Vantara proved to be a fresh lease of life. The first-of-its-kind initiative in India, conceptualised and birthed under the passionate leadership of Anant Ambani, came to the rescue of the pachyderm which had arrived at the facility with grievous injuries, suffering from multiple piercing spear wounds across his legs, ears, and trunk. His right wrist joint was swollen, impeding his ability to walk comfortably while his hind leg wounds were particularly severe, infected with pus and reaching deep into the bone.
Housed within the Green Belt of Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat, Vantara aims to be one of the leading contributors to conservation efforts globally. By working with leading experts in animal care and welfare, Vantara has converted a sprawling space into a jungle-like environment that mimics the natural, enriching, lush and verdant habitat for the rescued species to thrive in.
Despite the initial hurdles, Vantara’s team employed innovative techniques to provide care for the elephant from a distance. The Bosch car washer was used to cleanse his wounds and long bamboo sticks were used to apply ointment. Pain relief was administered through oral medications made from natural ingredients like fruits, jaggery, and ragi ladoo. Reuniting Motiprasad with his former mahout proved pivotal in gaining his trust and cooperation for treatment.
Medical Intervention and Care: X-rays revealed the extent of the wounds, necessitating aggressive treatment. Daily dressing was done twice, alongside parental antibiotics, painkillers, and supportive medications. Regular debridement of necrotic tissue was conducted, with special attention given to his diet, exercise, and environment to prevent complications. To enhance comfort, specially designed rubber mats from Canada were procured for his wounded legs.
Recovery Progress: Despite persistent hind leg limping, likely due to deep pain, nerve tonic injections were introduced every alternate day, resulting in improved gait. After two months of intensive treatment, dressing frequency reduced to once daily. Motiprasad’s appetite increased, and he began acclimatising to his stress-free environment. Within three months, his wounds healed completely, enabling him to walk normally. He now leads his fellow elephants on morning and evening walks, relishing his chain-free life in a specially designed enclosure at Gajraj Nagri.
At Vantara, Motiprasad’s journey exemplifies the power of dedicated care and medical intervention in facilitating recovery from severe injuries. Through perseverance and innovation, he has reclaimed his health and vitality, serving as inspiration to all.
The Vantara initiative, the first-of-its-kind in India, has been conceptualised and birthed under the passionate leadership of Anant Ambani. Anant is also spearheading Reliance’s ambitious renewable energy business in Jamnagar, and, in that capacity, is responsible for leading Reliance’s journey to become a Net Carbon Zero company by 2035.
On the personal front, Anant is gearing up for his pre-wedding festivities with Radhika Merchant in Jamnagar from March 1-3. A nine-page event guide and wardrobe planner sent to guests offers an overview of what to expect at the three-day pre-wedding bash.