Orphaned Elephant Walks Again After Train Collision Thanks to Custom Boots
An orphaned baby elephant named Bani, who was left paralysed after a devastating train collision that claimed her mother's life, has defied the odds and is now walking again. This remarkable recovery is credited to custom-made boots and pioneering treatment at India's first elephant hospital, funded by the British and Indian wildlife charity Wildlife SOS.
A Miraculous Recovery Against All Odds
Three-year-old Bani was given just a 2% chance of survival after the accident in India, which left her with severe injuries and paralysis. She was rescued from the crash site and transported to the Elephant Hospital in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, for intensive care. Wildlife SOS UK spokeswoman Linda Whiteley, based in Beckenham, Greater London, described Bani as "a walking miracle", noting that her condition was critical upon arrival two years ago.
Bani's mother is believed to have sacrificed her own life to shield her calf during the collision, an act of love that has now paid off through Bani's second chance at life. Typically, baby elephants stay with their mothers and herds for 16 to 18 years, with females often remaining for life, making Bani's orphan status particularly poignant.
Innovative Boots and Intensive Rehabilitation
Bani's ability to walk is supported by specially designed protective boots, each taking between three and five days to craft. Geeta Seshamani, Co-Founder and Secretary of Wildlife SOS, explained that the boots protect her feet from dragging on the ground, as she still has a limp. The veterinary team experimented with various materials before settling on faux leather, which proved durable, breathable, and comfortable for Bani.
The boots feature soft gel padding and are secured with Velcro for stability, and Bani receives daily pedicures to maintain foot health. Initially, she tried to remove the shoes, but the boot-style solution has allowed her to trot around her enclosure proudly.
Pioneering Treatment and Global Hope
Bani's case is the first of its kind worldwide, involving an international team of veterinary experts who employed a multidisciplinary approach. Her treatment included:
- Intensive physiotherapy
- Ayurvedic oil massages
- Laser therapy
- Homeopathy
- Hydrotherapy
- Electroacupuncture
- Traditional medical care
After being unable to move upon arrival in February 2024, Bani was lifted using a custom sling support and stood for five minutes within four days. Her rehabilitation progressed through tail twitches, turning over while lying down, and hydrotherapy sessions. By April 2024, she could move independently, and now, two years later, she walks and trots at the Elephant Hospital in Agra.
Long-Term Care and Conservation Efforts
Bani is one of 40 elephants under Wildlife SOS's care, and due to her injuries, she cannot be released back into the wild. She will live under expert supervision, with costs reaching £60 per day for food, shelter, and veterinary treatment. Elephants can live into their 70s or 80s, similar to humans, prompting the charity to launch a major appeal for donations.
Kartick Satyanarayan, CEO and co-founder of Wildlife SOS, emphasised that Bani's recovery offers hope for other severely injured animals. The charity aims to eradicate the abuse of working elephants in India, many of whom suffer as tourist attractions. Bani remains in contact with other elephants through scent, vocalisations, and vibrations, as direct physical interaction could risk her recovery.
This heartwarming story highlights the power of innovation and compassion in wildlife conservation, showcasing how custom boots and dedicated care can transform a life once deemed hopeless.
