India's First Mobile Clinic For Captive Elephants Launched At Kaziranga National Park In Assam

KAZIRANGA: Kaziranga National Park in Assam witnessed the launch of the country's first mobile clinic exclusively for elephants on Monday. The facility, named Haathi Sewa, has been introduced by Wildlife SOS, an NGO, in collaboration with forest departments across the country to provide medical care to captive elephants in need of treatment.

The clinic aims to help blind, injured and abused elephants suffering from health issues like leg pain, infections and stomach problems. It is part of Wildlife SOS' campaign to treat captive elephants forced to beg on streets.

The mobile clinic was launched during a health and treatment camp for elephants at Kaziranga, organized in association with the Assam forest department. More than 40 captive elephants, primarily engaged in anti-poaching patrols in Kaziranga, received health check-ups and medical assistance during the camp. A similar camp will be conducted at Manas National Park, another crucial Asian elephant reserve in the state.

Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, expressed pride in the initiative, stating, "With this clinic, we aim to provide medical outreach, treatment and care to elephants in dire need across the country."

Geeta Seshamani, Co-founder and Secretary of Wildlife SOS, said many captive elephants die early because they don't get proper care. She added that their mobile clinic aims to prevent such deaths.

Sonali Ghosh, the Director of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, lauded the initiative, calling it a "remarkable moment" for elephant welfare in the country.

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