Expert Slams Decision to Fly Sick Calf Abroad for Care

P S Easa, an elephant expert with 40 years of experience, has voiced strong criticism against the state forest department's decision to send Maya, an 18-month-old ailing elephant calf, to Gujarat for treatment. The orphaned calf was airlifted to Jamnagar on Friday, November 6, 2026, for advanced care at Vantara, with officials citing a genetic disorder and bone thinning as reasons, stating state facilities were inadequate for the four to six-month treatment plan. Easa argues that Kerala has top-tier veterinarians and specialized centers capable of treating elephants, citing instances where experts have been sent to other states. He questioned the guarantee of Maya's survival at Vantara and the consultation process with the veterinary university. The calf, found abandoned in April 2025, has been unable to walk since a fracture in July and suffers from a congenital metabolic bone disorder, making its bones extremely fragile. Experts suggest the calf's survival so far is a testament to the care it has received in the state. The decision to airlift Maya sets a worrying precedent for transferring animals out of state for treatment. Meanwhile, a veterinarian stated that the state has all necessary facilities, including a full-fledged hospital and hi-tech laboratory, to treat the animal effectively.