Elephant Madhuri to return to Kolhapur after year-long treatment in Gujarat

Madhuri, an elephant kept at Nandani Math in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, for more than three decades, is set to return there after over a year of treatment at Vantara, a wildlife rehabilitation and conservation centre in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

According to Vantara, Madhuri was suffering from advanced arthritis, chronic foot rot and significant mobility problems when she arrived. The centre attributed these to years of restricted movement, prolonged standing on concrete surfaces and extended periods spent tethered in chains. It said she had continued to be used in festivals and public processions during this period, including walking long distances on asphalt roads while restrained with ropes.

Vantara said her treatment was carried out by a team of veterinarians, caregivers, nutritionists and behavioural specialists, and included hydrotherapy, laser therapy, a modified diet, specialised foot care and continuous monitoring. She was also housed with other elephants, which the centre said helped her regain social confidence after years in captivity. Apart from her physical recovery, she also went through the process of emotional rehabilitation. At Vantara, Madhuri showed a strong desire to interact and form bonds with other elephants in a safe and enriching environment. The social companionship helped play a major role in helping her regain emotional stability and a sense of security after years of restricted movement and captivity.


Her return follows an assessment by the Supreme Court-appointed High Powered Committee, which reviewed her health and cleared her for transfer. The necessary approvals and transit permits for her movement from Gujarat to Maharashtra have been granted.

Madhuri will travel in a specially equipped elephant ambulance, accompanied by members of Vantara's veterinary and care team, who will monitor her through the journey.

Her return marks the end of more than a year of treatment at Vantara, where she received specialised medical and rehabilitative care under the guidance of Anant Ambani.