The Incredible Sadhu Story begins in Kerala’s Kottayam district, where an old elephant named Puthuppally Sadhu was fighting for his life. For almost one month, Sadhu could not eat or drink because of a dangerous stomach problem called colon impaction (locally known as Irandakkettu). This condition blocks the stomach and intestines, making it impossible for the animal to pass waste. In many cases, elephants die from this within a short time.
But Sadhu’s life changed when Vantara, India’s largest wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre, stepped in. Their expert doctors and modern treatment saved Sadhu in just ten days, bringing him back from the edge of death.
Who is Sadhu the Elephant?
Sadhu is one of the most famous elephants in South India. At 55 years old, he is often called Aranya Prajapati (Lord of the Forests) because of his majestic presence. He even became known nationwide when he ran into the forest during the shooting of a Vijay Devarakonda movie.
On July 27, Sadhu suddenly fell sick. He stopped eating and slowly became very weak. Local veterinarians tried hard, but nothing worked. For almost one month, Sadhu survived only on IV fluids (liquid medicines and supplements given through injections).
Also read: Vantara Launches Veterinary Training on Conservation Medicine in Jamnagar
Why Was the Situation So Serious?
Colon impaction is a very dangerous condition for elephants. In Kerala, many elephants have died from it, including some very famous ones like Guruvayur Gopikannan and Omallur Manikandan.
The problem usually happens because Kerala elephants eat a lot of palmyra leaf stalks. These leaves are rich in fibre, which sometimes blocks the intestines. If not treated in time, the elephant’s stomach can burst, leading to death within hours.
Vantara Steps In to Rescue Sadhu
Sadhu’s owner, Pothan Varghese, had heard about Vantara’s free rescue service. He contacted the Kerala Forest Department, who then requested help from Vantara.
Also read: Vantara and Gujarat Forest Department Join Hands to Restore Wildlife in Barda Sanctuary
On August 15, a special four-member Rapid Response Team from Vantara reached Kottayam. They worked day and night beside Sadhu for ten days. Their treatment included:
- Giving more than 490 litres of fluids with medicines, vitamins, and minerals
- Using rectal rehydration (a method to give water directly into the intestine)
- Massaging the elephant with castor oil and sandbags to activate nerves
- Checking the stomach with advanced cameras and equipment
Finally, on the ninth day, the team successfully removed 32 kilograms of hard waste stuck in Sadhu’s intestine. The very next day, Sadhu started eating and drinking again. Slowly, he regained his strength.
Also read: Vantara Proposes New Facility in Kolhapur for Elephant Madhuri
What is Colon Impaction in Elephants?
To explain in very simple words:
- The elephant’s stomach and intestine stop moving food properly.
- The waste gets stuck inside and blocks the passage.
- The elephant cannot pass stool, eat, or drink.
- If not treated, the intestine can burst, and the elephant may die quickly.
The only way to save them is by giving lots of fluids, medicines, and sometimes manually removing the waste.
Why Vantara is Different
Vantara, set up by Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation in Jamnagar, Gujarat, is India’s most advanced animal rescue centre. Unlike most places in India, Vantara has:
- Customised equipment like long endoscopy cameras for elephants
- Portable X-rays, ultrasound, and thermal imaging tools
- A 24×7 Rapid Response Team with trained elephant doctors
This modern technology, combined with experienced doctors, is what helped Sadhu survive when many other elephants could not.
Lessons Learned for Elephant Care
After Sadhu’s case, experts suggested that:
- Elephants should not be fed too much palmyra leaf stalk.
- Grass and a balanced diet are safer.
- Owners and mahouts (caretakers) should give proper rest and avoid giving water right after long work.
Dr. Vaishakh Vishwam, who led Sadhu’s treatment, explained that with the right care, elephants can live a healthy life for up to 90 years.
How Can Others Get Help from Vantara?
Any elephant owner or forest official can request help from Vantara. If the government wildlife department officially forwards the case, the Vantara team will immediately fly to the location with their equipment and doctors.
This rescue of Sadhu is a shining example of how modern science, combined with care and dedication, can save the lives of even the largest animals on earth.
