India's first elephant hospital, the Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital, has opened in Mathura, a sacred town in Uttar Pradesh. This facility offers vital care to injured, sick, rescued, and elderly elephants in need, providing them with a safe and compassionate environment. Managed by the non-profit Wildlife SOS, the hospital complements the organization’s nearby conservation center, currently home to 22 elephants.
Spanning 12,000 square feet, the hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology, including x-ray, thermal imaging, and ultrasound machines, as well as tranquilization devices, a hydrotherapy pool, an in-house pathology lab, and quarantine areas. One unique feature of the hospital is its ability to treat remote patients using portable equipment. “If an elephant is injured far away, we can take care of it on-site,” explains Geeta Seshamani, co-founder of Wildlife SOS.
The hospital offers an important service for elephants who have faced abuse throughout history, providing a space where they can heal. “For centuries, India has used and abused elephants, but today we can offer them a place of care,” Seshamani adds.
India is home to more than 50% of Asia's wild elephants, many of whom have suffered mistreatment, including abuse in captivity, exploitation as tourist attractions, or injuries from accidents. Wildlife SOS co-founder Kartick Satyanarayan points out the serious health issues elephants face, such as abscesses and internal problems, due to the brutal treatment they endure.
While elephants hold a revered place in Indian culture and religion, their welfare has often been overlooked. As India's elephant population has been declining—dropping from around 29,000 in 2012 to an estimated 20,000 in 2022—the establishment of this hospital emphasizes the need for proper care and respect for these majestic animals.
“Elephants deserve welfare measures just like any other animal,” says Seshamani, highlighting the hospital's commitment to ensuring that elephants are treated with the dignity they deserve.