Veterinary experts who inspected the 48-year-old elephant Fathima Beevi from Nagore Durgah at the elephant rejuvenation camp at Thekkampatti, near Mettupalayam, have prescribed a holistic (balanced and nutritious) diet for the elephant both at the camp and also after it returns to Nagore on February 4.
The elephant turned anaemic on Saturday and was not able to get up throughout Sunday.
The elephant was given intravenous fluids and medicines and after 14-hour treatment, the elephant managed to get up on Sunday night. The elephant’s condition was improving.
However, as planned earlier, a team of experts from the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University came to the elephant camp on Monday along with Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Commissioner P. Dhanapal and Joint Commissioner N. Natarajan. Among those who checked the elephant included, renowned veterinarian and elephant expert Dr. K.C. Panicker and Forest Veterinarian N.S. Manoharan.
The elephant was able to sit, lie down and get up during the inspection indicating that its condition was improving, sources pointed out.
Medical history of the elephant was also examined by the veterinarians. The animal was said to have gone through anaemic health condition six months ago.
Veterinarians have now drawn up a balanced and nutritious diet to be adhered to both at the camp and also after the elephant returns to Nagore Durgah.
The diet chart has fluids, health supplements and supporting drugs besides green fodder among other food items with all required nutrients for an aging elephant with a debilitating body condition, sources said.
Published - January 21, 2014 10:55 am IST