###72-Year-Old Begging Elephant 'Ramu' Battles for Life in Udaipur; Experts Rush for Emergency Care
Neglected for Decades, Now Immobile and in Agony—Wildlife SOS Urges Urgent Action for Companion Elephant ‘Moti’
Udaipur, May 14 — A 72-year-old female elephant named Ramu, who has been begging on the streets since 1992, is now in a life-threatening condition near Udaipur’s Aawari Mata Temple. Ramu is suffering from chronic infections, necrotic wounds, and decaying feet that have rendered her immobile. Her condition has been described as critical by veterinarians, prompting Wildlife SOS and the Rajasthan Forest Department to intervene with emergency medical support.
Due to severe neglect, the soles of Ramu’s feet have deteriorated to the point where she can no longer stand or move. Her toenails have fallen off, open wounds have become infected, and signs of necrosis have developed. Emergency veterinary care, including portable X-ray diagnostics, laser therapy, and advanced wound dressing, is being provided onsite.
According to treating veterinarians, Ramu is unable to stand or shift positions on her own. A hydra crane is used every 36 hours to change her position to prevent further complications. She is being stabilized with 40 to 60 liters of fluid therapy daily, while a cooling system, padded bedding, and round-the-clock care are in place to ease her suffering.
Ramu was brought from the Sonepur Animal Fair in Bihar and forced into captivity, enduring decades of overwork and abuse. Experts believe her condition could have been prevented with timely medical intervention.
In April 2024, after a detailed veterinary assessment, Rajasthan’s Chief Wildlife Warden submitted a report recommending that both Ramu and another female elephant, Moti (aged 42), be shifted to India’s first Elephant Hospital in Mathura, operated by Wildlife SOS in partnership with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department. The High-Powered Committee approved the transfer, citing urgent medical needs.
However, despite written orders, the owners and mahouts of both elephants refused to comply, resulting in tragic delays in Ramu's treatment. Her condition has now deteriorated so severely that she is no longer fit to be moved.
Kartik Satyanarayan, Co-founder & CEO of Wildlife SOS, said, “Seeing Ramu in such a condition is heartbreaking. Timely relocation to our hospital in Mathura could have greatly reduced her suffering. This case highlights the dire need for enforcement of rehabilitation orders when animal welfare is at stake.”
Baiju Raj M.V., Director of Conservation Projects at Wildlife SOS, added, “Chronic foot rot is a debilitating condition that needs continuous, expert treatment. Ramu’s worsening condition is a warning. If Moti isn’t moved soon, she could face the same fate. This is not just a legal issue—it’s a matter of life and death.”
Moti’s health is also deteriorating, and experts warn that her transfer to a specialized facility is urgent to prevent another tragedy.
While Wildlife SOS continues to provide emergency aid on-site, the organization has called upon authorities to enforce the committee’s recommendations and ensure Moti’s prompt relocation—before it’s too late.
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