An Asian elephant named “Moti,” aged 35 has been miraculously saved after enduring 17 days of immobility due to a broken leg that left him on the verge of death. This heartwarming rescue operation occurred in an undisclosed location in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.
Initiated by the conservation charity Wildlife SOS, the effort to save Moti was heroic. Moti had collapsed due to a long-standing, untreated fracture in his front leg, aggravated by severe infections in his foot pad and toenails, compounded by a lack of proper veterinary care.
Moti’s critical condition stemmed from his immobilization and hypostatic pressure—caused by prolonged lying down that threatened his kidney and heart functions.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Indian military joined forces with Wildlife SOS to lift Moti upright, a crucial step in averting the dangers of hypostatic pressure.
Captured on camera, the rescue mission showcased the remarkable moment when Moti was finally raised, saving him from the dire effects of prolonged immobility.
Leading up to the rescue, dedicated charity workers and the army attended to Moti’s needs, treating his wounds and providing comfort during the preparatory phase.
Although Moti is no longer in a collapsed state, his injuries remain severe. His front leg remains incapacitated, making transportation to Wildlife SOS’ elephant hospital—an 8-hour journey—particularly challenging, especially considering his remote location.
In the meantime, Moti continues to receive support while standing, supplemented with pain relief medication. He is also maintaining a healthy food and water intake, showcasing his resilience despite the adversity he faced.
Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, expressed deep gratitude towards the collaborative efforts that saved Moti.
He highlighted the patriotism exhibited by those involved, including Shiv Kunal Verma, General VK Singh, and the Chief of Army and Engineers, as well as the cooperation of the Forest Department and Moti’s custodians.
This heartening rescue saved an individual elephant and symbolized the shared commitment to protecting India’s heritage animals and endangered species. Moti’s journey to recovery stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and compassion in the face of adversity.
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