Elephant Bani’s story becomes symbol of global effort

Mumbai: Bani’s story has become a symbol of global efforts towards treatment, resilience and recovery of injured elephants.

Two years ago, a devastating railway accident in Uttarakhand left a 9-month-old female elephant calf critically injured, orphaned and fighting for her life. 

Thrown off the tracks by a speeding train and paralysed in her hind legs. Thanks to the prompt and coordinated actions of the Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh, the infant, now known as Bani, was transported to the Elephant Hospital Campus in Mathura – a decision that proved lifesaving. 

Today, Bani completes two years of care with Wildlife SOS.

Over the past two years, Wildlife SOS’ veterinary team, with collaborations from an international team of experts, has implemented an intensive treatment plan.

When Bani was brought in, she was suffering from trauma induced spastic paraparesis, unable to stand on her own and dragging her hind legs. Over the past two years, Wildlife SOS’ veterinary team, with collaborations from an international team of experts, has implemented an intensive rehabilitation plan combining acupuncture, laser therapy, ayurvedic massages, specialised supplements, hydrotherapy and structured enrichments.

Now she no longer needs assistance to stand, an extraordinary milestone for a calf who once lay completely paralysed. Though she still drags her hind legs, her gait continues to improve, supported by custom protective boots that prevent footpad thinning.

Her enclosure has a nurturing environment with a pool, natural trees for scratching, and enrichment features like a roller-drum feeder and cage feeder to keep her mentally and physically stimulated. In winter, her enclosure is insulated with thick coverings, she wears a fleece-lined tarpaulin jacket, and stays warm under sodium lights that maintain comfortable night time temperatures.

To mark the two-year milestone, the Wildlife SOS team prepared a special enrichment meal for Bani.

To mark the two-year milestone, the Wildlife SOS team prepared a special enrichment meal for Bani. This included her regular porridge along with a rice-based cake and a fruit feast of watermelon, papaya, guava, banana, pumpkin, beetroot and dates, displaying a gentle celebration of how far she has come since her rescue.

To mark her rescue anniversary, a rich fruit feast of watermelon, papaya, guava, banana, pumpkin, beetroot and dates was arranged for Bani.

Dr Ilayaraja S, Deputy Director, Veterinary Services, Wildlife SOS, said, “We have designed comprehensive therapeutic and enrichment plans to keep Bani’s muscles active and aid her healing. Introducing acupuncture, performed for the first time on an elephant in India under a global collaboration with vets and experts, has been pivotal in her progress.”

Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO, Wildlife SOS, shared, “Bani’s story is a painful reminder of how devastating train collisions can be for elephants. She survived only because help reached her in time, but her mother didn’t. These tragedies are preventable. Until we adopt effective detection systems and protect elephant migratory routes, calves like Bani will continue to pay the price. Her recovery is a miracle, but it should never have been needed in the first place.”

Geeta Seshamani, Co-founder and Secretary, Wildlife SOS, expressed, “When Bani came to us after losing her mother and suffering such grave injuries, her future was uncertain. Yet now, two years later, she is walking, playing and thriving. Her recovery is a beautiful reminder of what dedicated care and compassion can achieve.”