Elephant ‘Joymoti’, flood survivor, airlifted from Northeast to Vantara for treatment

Joymoti, an adult elephant that endured the severe flooding that hit several districts in the Northeast, was airlifted on Tuesday to a veterinary facility in Vantara. The animal was rescued from a water‑logged area after local forest officials and volunteers managed to guide it to safety.

The decision to transport Joymoti by helicopter was taken after veterinarians assessed that immediate, specialised treatment was required to address injuries and potential health complications caused by prolonged exposure to floodwaters.

Vantara, known for its wildlife rehabilitation centre, has the capacity to provide advanced care, including wound management, hydration therapy and monitoring for infections. Officials from the forest department said the elephant will remain under observation until it is fit to return to its natural habitat.

The operation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by wildlife in flood‑prone regions and the coordinated response of forest officials, NGOs and medical teams to safeguard vulnerable animals.