‘Elephant Mahadevi Was In Pain': PETA Official Explains Why Madhuri Had To Be Sent To Vantara
PETA's Radhika Suryvanshi: 'SC HPC had found that Elephant Mahadevi had grade 4 arthritis, degenerative foot rot, psychological distress because of loneliness."
Amid the protests over Elephant Mahadevi's (Madhuri) rehabilitation from Kolhapur to Vantara, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) spoke to News18 to explain why this was the best move for the animal.
After 33 years of abuse using shackles, iron rod to walking through processions for begging and solitary confinement, Elephant Mahadevi or Madhuri is now experiencing freedom for the first time at Anant Ambani's Vantara's Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust.
Elephant Mahadevi Has Several Ailments
'That is when PETA India appealed that zoo is not a fit place for the elephant as it needs rehabilitation and that the animal needed to be shifted to a wildlife sanctuary," said Suryvanshi.
'The Supreme Court's High-Powered Committee (HPC) analysed the animal's condition and concluded that it had grade 4 arthritis, degenerative foot rot, psychological distress because of loneliness. So the court asked for the elephant to be rehabilitated in a sanctuary," she said.
'The rehabilitation has been done for the betterment of Mahadevi. Claims of money exchange are false. The animal's nails have grown which is not natural for elephants as they walk for long distance. It suggests Mahadevi was in continuous pain and had pressure because of standing in one place. Seeing the report, the SC, HPC and HC decided to rehabilitate her," she said.
CM Devendra Fadnavis earlier said, 'This is not a decision of the state government regarding Madhuri the elephant; it was a decision made by the Mumbai High Court. After the High Court's decision was challenged in the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court also upheld it…In this matter, as the government, we have only provided a report through the forest department."
Responding to the protests, Vantara in a post said: 'We feel the depth of love that surrounds her. 🙏 At Vantara, she is held with gentle care, expert medical attention, and deep respect, in accordance with the direction of the Hon'ble Court."
Kept in isolation for 30+ years and chained since 1992 after a fatal 2017 incident, elephant Mahadevi has been relocated to Gujarat's Vantara centre on Bombay HC's orders (upheld by SC).Vantara is known for its spacious, enriched habitats. It now becomes her healing ground. pic.twitter.com/81PGbaN4BX
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) August 4, 2025
Vantara Has A Recovery Plan For Elephant Mahadevi (Madhuri)
Vantara posted her recovery plan on its Instagram handle: 'Madhuri's initial health evaluation, revealing chronic foot issues like overgrown toenails and cuticles, signs of laminitis, a long-standing toenail abscess in the right hind foot, and painful swellings on both knees. Radiographs showed fractures and arthritis in her front feet."
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ALSO READ: From Begging In Chains In Kolhapur To Freedom At Vantara After 33 Years: Elephant Mahadevi's Journey
It further said: 'The team has now devised a detailed treatment protocol to address the root causes, ease her discomfort, improve mobility, and support her recovery. While we await her lab reports, her nutritionist is already planning a tailored diet. For now, Madhuri needs plenty of rest, comfort, and care. To everyone who's been concerned about Madhuri: we see you, we hear you. We promise her the highest standard of care, gentle, consistent and rooted in love."
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August 04, 2025, 16:17 IST
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