Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Madhuri the Elephant Returns After Rehabilitation in Maharashtra
Madhuri is an elephant who had lived at Nandani Math for more than 30 years.
She had trouble walking because her joints and feet were badly affected.
Vantara said years of limited movement, concrete floors and chains contributed to her problems.
She was taken to Vantara in Jamnagar for special care.
Veterinarians and other experts helped her with exercise in water, foot treatment, food and other therapies.
She also spent time with other elephants, which helped her feel safer.
After more than a year, her health improved.
A Supreme Court-appointed committee reviewed her condition and approved her return to Maharashtra.
She will travel in a special ambulance with her care team.
Madhuri, an elephant from Nandani Math in Kolhapur, lived there for more than three decades.
Vantara said she suffered from advanced arthritis, chronic foot rot and serious mobility problems.
Her condition was linked to restricted movement, hard concrete surfaces and prolonged tethering in chains.
At Vantara, she received hydrotherapy, laser therapy, specialised foot care, nutrition and behavioural support.
After more than a year of rehabilitation, a Supreme Court-appointed committee approved her return to Maharashtra.
- Who
- Madhuri, an elephant formerly living at Nandani Math, received rehabilitation at Vantara.
- What
- She was treated for advanced arthritis, chronic foot rot and severe mobility problems before being approved to return to Maharashtra.
- When
- After spending more than a year at Vantara; no specific return date is provided.
- Where
- Madhuri is returning from Vantara in Jamnagar, Gujarat, to Maharashtra, after previously living in Kolhapur.
- Why
- She required specialised medical care and rehabilitation, and a committee determined that her improved condition allowed her transfer back to Maharashtra.
- Animal
- Madhuri, an elephant
- Previous home
- Nandani Math in Kolhapur, Maharashtra
- Rehabilitation facility
- Vantara in Jamnagar, Gujarat
- Reported conditions
- Advanced arthritis, chronic foot rot and significant mobility problems
- Care period
- More than one year
- Treatments
- Hydrotherapy, laser therapy, targeted nutrition and specialised foot care
- Return approval
- A Supreme Court-appointed High Powered Committee reviewed her condition and approved the transfer
- Transport
- A specially equipped elephant ambulance accompanied by Vantara’s veterinary and care team