How did Bani the elephant become paralyzed?

Bani became paralyzed after being hit by a train, an accident that also killed her mother.

What is helping Bani the elephant walk again?

Bani's ability to walk is supported by specially designed protective boots and intensive veterinary rehabilitation at an elephant hospital.

Where is Bani the elephant receiving care?

Bani is receiving care at India's first elephant hospital, initially in Mathura and now at their center in Agra.

Home / Environment / Orphaned elephant Bani walks again thanks to custom boots

Orphaned elephant Bani walks again thanks to custom boots

12 Apr

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Summary

Bani, an orphaned elephant, regained mobility with custom-made boots.
She survived a train accident that killed her mother and left her paralyzed.
The elephant hospital's pioneering treatment offers hope for other animals.

Orphaned elephant Bani walks again thanks to custom boots

Three-year-old Bani, an orphaned elephant, has made a remarkable recovery and is now walking with the aid of custom-made boots. She was left paralyzed after a devastating train accident in India that tragically killed her mother. Initially given only a 2% chance of survival, Bani was transported to the Wildlife SOS elephant hospital in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.

Her rehabilitation involved intensive physiotherapy, Ayurvedic oil massages, laser therapy, and hydrotherapy. Alongside this, specialized boots were designed to protect her feet, which were initially dragged on the ground due to her paralysis. These boots, taking three to five days to create, are made of durable faux leather and feature soft gel padding secured with Velcro.