Remarkable Save: Elephant With Broken Leg Pulled From The Brink Of Death After 17 Days

A Southeast Asian elephant named “Moti,” aged 35 has been miraculously rescued after enduring 17 days of immobility due to a fractured leg that left him on the brink of death. This heartwarming operation took place in a undisclosed location in the Indian state of Uttarakhand.

Initiated by the conservation organization Wildlife SOS, the effort to rescue Moti was heroic. Moti had collapsed due to a longstanding, untreated fracture in his front leg, worsened by severe infections in his foot pad and toenails, exacerbated by a lack of proper veterinary care.

Moti’s critical condition was a result of his immobility and hypostatic pressure—caused by extended periods of lying down that endangered his kidney and heart functions.

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Indian military partnered with Wildlife SOS to lift Moti upright, a crucial step in preventing 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 consequences of prolonged immobility.

Leading up to the rescue, dedicated volunteers from the charity and the army attended to Moti’s needs, treating his wounds and providing comfort during the preparatory phase.

Though Moti is no longer in a collapsed state, his injuries are still severe. His front leg remains incapacitated, making transportation to Wildlife SOS’ elephant hospital—an 8-hour journey—particularly difficult, especially considering his remote location.

For now, Moti continues to receive support while standing, supplemented with pain relief medication. He is also maintaining a healthy food and water intake, demonstrating his resilience despite the adversity he faced.

Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, expressed deep appreciation for 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 keepers.

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 proof of the power of cooperation and empathy in the face of adversity.