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Kerala Elephants Get Diabetes Checks Amidst Deaths
10 Oct
Summary
- Seventeen elephants received medical screenings for sugar, cholesterol, and organ function.
- This initiative aims to address a concerning rise in sudden elephant deaths.
- Health cards will track individual elephant medical histories for future care.
A pioneering health initiative is underway in Kerala to address the alarming trend of captive elephants collapsing and dying unexpectedly. Seventeen elephants from across the state recently participated in an extensive medical screening event organized by the Kerala Elephant Owners Federation and supported by the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU). This comprehensive check-up included testing for blood sugar, cholesterol, and creatinine levels, as well as assessing kidney and liver function.
Blood, urine, and fecal samples have been collected and sent to KVASU for detailed analysis, with results anticipated within four to five days. This marks a significant step beyond previous health examinations, aiming to identify underlying ailments that might otherwise go unnoticed. The findings will be documented in individual health cards, establishing a medical history for each elephant to guide future treatments.
Organizers plan to extend these regular health monitoring camps to all captive elephants in Kerala, conducting examinations every six months. This proactive approach is crucial given the sharp decline in the state's captive elephant population, which has fallen from over 1,000 in 2008 to approximately 366. The health-card initiative is a vital measure for the systematic and preventive healthcare of these magnificent animals.
