Sole refuge for forest officials to impart critical care to animals in Wayanad

WAYANAD: The wildlife clinic at the Centre for Wildlife Studies (CWS), Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (KVASU) located at Pookkode, the sole refuge for forest officials to impart critical care to injured wild animals, has proved to be a boon for the jungle region. Established in 2008, so far hundreds of animals with complex injuries, fractures and diseases have been treated at the centre. The regular patients in the clinic facility were a variety of deer, with leg fractures. The centre has also treated pythons, crocodiles and Green sea turtle.

The latest star at the centre is a female elephant calf. The six- month- old calf was rescued by forest department officials in the Kalpetta Range last Thursday with deep injuries on its hind limbs, possibly after an attack by wild animals. Dr George Chandy who is heading the centre told DC that the animal was in a critical stage. “The herd had abandoned it after trying their best to get it on its feet. The animal was already in shock and had severely infected deep wounds on the hind legs when veterinary doctors at the hospital started treating it with antibiotics and fluids," he said.

“Now the calf is gradually limping back to normal”, he said. “Caring for an orphan infant elephant is in itself a very specialized job requiring round the clock attention by a team of committed people”, Mr Chandy said. For the last nine years, it was easy for forest staff to ensure expert medical care for wildlife. However KVASU authorities lament about the lack of facilities at the centre. With one permanent employee and a handful of experts and aides, the centre is doing wonders, say forest officials. Though a permanent building complex with open enclosures for animals was planned, it failed to take off as there was a ban on construction, it was pointed out.