Shivamogga: A 35-year-old elephant with a fractured leg has recovered after being treated with a fibreglass cast at Sakrebailu Elephant Camp in Shivamogga. The treatment is said to be the first of its kind in India.

Elephant Drona, also known as ‘Adkabadka,’ fractured his left leg after falling inside a ‘kraal’ at the camp. He was captured near Siddapura in Uttara Kannada district last year after reportedly causing several human deaths in Hassan district and was later brought to Sakrebailu Camp.

Veterinarians decided against using a conventional Plaster of Paris (PoP) cast, as it could crumble under the elephant’s weight and would not withstand exposure to water. Instead, they opted for a fibreglass cast, which is lighter and water-resistant.

The cast was kept in place for a month at a cost of Rs. 80,000.

Drona was sedated before the casting procedure, which took about two hours. He was also given hydrotherapy to reduce the weight borne by the injured leg, allowing it to move naturally and aiding bone recovery.

After the cast was removed, Drona remained in the ‘kraal’ for another four months to regain sufficient strength to stand and walk steadily.

An X-ray later confirmed that the fractured bone had healed.

After spending five months in the ‘kraal,’ Drona regained his strength and can now walk and run comfortably with other elephants. He has also resumed daily trips into the forest.

The elephant was earlier known as Adkabadka among locals in Hassan district, where it had caused considerable damage and human fatalities. The name referred to its speed and the havoc it caused.

A similar treatment had reportedly been used on a young elephant in Sri Lanka, but the procedure is considered the first of its kind in India.

The treatment was carried out by Dr. Muruli Manohar of Sakrebailu, assisted by Dr. Mahesh from Tumakuru, DFO Prasanna Patagar, Forest Department staff, mahouts and kavadis.