In a major move for animal welfare, a 36-year-old female elephant named Mahadevi (also known as Madhuri) has been safely relocated from a Jain Math in Kolhapur, Maharashtra to the Vantara elephant care center in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This transfer happened late on Monday, after the Supreme Court refused to stop the relocation, giving final clearance to a long-pending legal and emotional issue.
Why Was Mahadevi Moved?
Mahadevi had been living at the Kolhapur-based religious Math for over 30 years. According to multiple inspections by wildlife officials and veterinary experts, she was suffering from serious health issues, such as:
- Foot rot
- Overgrown toenails
- Arthritis
- Psychological stress (shown through repeated head bobbing)
Animal rights group PETA India argued that Mahadevi needed urgent medical care, freedom from chains, and a chance to live among other elephants.
A High-Powered Committee (HPC) — consisting of elephant experts, forest officers, and a retired Supreme Court judge — studied her case for a year and finally decided that Vantara in Gujarat is the best place for her recovery.
Legal Battle and Court Orders
The Kolhapur Math objected to the transfer and filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court after the Bombay High Court upheld the decision to shift her.
Also read: India’s Biggest Elephant Care Training Begins at Vantara Jamnagar with ‘Vantara Gajsevak Sammelan’
On July 28, the Supreme Court dismissed the petition. The court noted that “devotees’ sentiments cannot override the animal’s right to health and dignified care.”
Earlier, the Bombay High Court had also highlighted that elephants are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act and deserve specialised treatment.
Emotional Farewell and Public Protest
When the Vantara team and forest officials arrived at the Math to carry out the transfer, some local residents protested. Reports say that a few people even threw stones at the rescue team. Police had to step in to calm the situation.
Eventually, as the reality of her departure set in, the mood turned emotional. The locals gave Mahadevi a heartfelt farewell.
Journey to a New Life
A forest department official from Kolhapur, Dhairyasheel Patil, confirmed that the team had:
- Assessed Mahadevi’s health
- Provided proper transport arrangements
- Ensured her safety during the journey
She is expected to reach the Jamnagar facility by July 30, where she will be unchained, treated with hydrotherapy, and given a chance to socialize with other elephants.
Ownership Disputes
Mahadevi was brought to Kolhapur around 1992, when she was roughly three years old, allegedly from a village in Karnataka. However, PETA claims that no legal documents or ownership proof were ever submitted. The Math’s request for legal ownership was also never approved by the Maharashtra Forest Department.
Allegations of Abuse and Illegal Transfers
PETA had earlier filed a complaint in October 2023, stating that:
- Mahadevi had been moved at least 13 times across Maharashtra from 2012 to 2023 for religious events like Muharram and Bonalu without legal permits.
- In December 2017, she reportedly killed the chief priest of the Math, raising further concerns about her stress and handling.
After a year-long legal and expert review process, the HPC ordered her relocation in June 2025, which the Bombay High Court confirmed on July 16.
What Happens Next?
At the Vantara Elephant Welfare Center in Jamnagar:
- Mahadevi will receive expert care
- Be freed from chains and tools of punishment
- Recover physically and mentally in a natural environment
Khushboo Gupta, Director of Advocacy Projects at PETA India, said:
“This relocation is a historic moment for captive elephant welfare in India. Mahadevi will now live with dignity and receive the treatment she needs.”
Conclusion
This case shows that even animals have rights, and courts are ready to protect them. Mahadevi’s transfer is not just about moving an elephant — it’s about compassion, care, and justice for those who cannot speak for themselves.
