At 79, 'Ganesh' is struggling for life

By Our Staff Correspondent

MYSORE, JUNE 13. Ganesh, the only oldest surviving pachyderm in captivity at the Mysore Zoo, is fighting against all odds to survive despite the best possible medical attention being given by the zoo authorities.

This pachyderm aged 79 years and the oldest inmate of the zoo, is also popularly known as "Swethavarna" elephant because of its whitish pigmentation. It has been in captivity for the last five decades after it was gifted by the erstwhile Maharaja of Mysore in 1951.

At present, the process of aging coupled with chronic arthritis has resulted in Ganesh being in recumbent posture for the fourth day, striving to respond positively to the intense medical care being given by the zoo authorities.

According to the Director of Mysore Zoo, Mr. Rajashekar, Ganesh was captured from the forests of Dubare in 1949 by the then Maharaja of Mysore. Subsequently, fascinated by its white colour it was called "White elephant", and was used as the "Royal elephant" for all royal religious festival celebrations.

However, in 1951, the Maharaja gifted the elephant to Mysore Zoo since when this elephant has been a star attraction because of its colour. Ganesh who so far has been the cynosure of all eyes now is struggling for life.

Yet another significant aspect of this pachyderm is that his offsprings, barring one male, continue to enjoy a family status in the zoo premises. One of its male calf, Rajendra born in 1992 was gifted by the Union Government to Sri Lanka in 1998.

The Mysore Zoo, which has carved a niche for itself in captive breeding of big cats and housing white tigers and successfully breeding them also, capitalised on the presence of the "White elephant", which caught the attention of the visitors. This elephant captured at the age of 27 years, with enlarged prostate gland as told by the zoo doctor, is being fed intravenously.

The zoo authorities have spared no effort in giving the required medical attention to the elephant for the last four days.

According to the zoo doctor, Dr. Gopal, suffering from old age, chronic arthritis and an enlarged prostate gland, Ganesh is being given IV fluids, supplemented with "Moosambai" juice. The prognosis is guarded as the animal is recumbent, and it is likely that it may develop bed sores and secondary health complications because of its weight causing counter pressure on the body tissues affecting the peripheral circulation.

To counter this, antibiotic dosages are also being administered to the animal along with monitoring the physical parameters periodically.

Ganesh continues to fight to escape from the jaws of death. However, since it continues to be recumbent and cannot be shifted, despite the best medical care given, the chances of its survival are remote, observe other veterinarians.

But the zoo authorities adding a very personal touch to the episode are fighting against all odds to revive this aging and ailing pachyderm. Ganesh, with its majestic appearance and its lengthy tusk adding to its baronial outlook, seems to be fighting a losing battle.

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Section  : Southern States
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