In
the wild, it is customary with a pregnant elephant in a herd where the
real aunt or the other experienced relation acts as midwife. If an
elephant chooses to deliver while standing – which is what they prefer
– then the calf falls to the ground from a height and may get hurt or even
die from the fall. So the midwife makes a cushion of sorts with her
trunk to work as shock-absorber. The midwife also breaks the amniotic
membrane from the newborn if it fails to break.
But
even before delivery, the aunt remains with the pregnant one to help her
cope with pains. She also helps the mother in post-natal care of
the calf.
This
is what Damini assumed. She undertook the role of aunt, nurse and
midwife for Champakali.
When
Champakali started to show advanced stage of pregnancy, Damini turned protective
and caring toward Champa. Whenever Champa suffered labor pains, Damini
rushed to her and caressed her. Damini ate only after Champa was
fed and always trailed her when Champa took a stroll within the enclosure.
She made herself available at all hours and Champakali lapped up the attention.
The
first elephant to be granted maternity leave was pampered, mothered and
loved since the day she arrived at the zoo. They had already christened
the "daughter-to-be" "Puhlkali" and she was eagerly awaited by the staff
at the zoo and the Department of Forestry.
But,
Champakali died while giving birth to a stillborn calf on April 11, 1999.
Unable
to bear her death, Dr. Shukla, the zoo veterinarian who had been documenting
every moment of Champakali's pregnancy, fell unconscious and had to be
hospitalized. Niaz Ahmed, who helped care for Champakali for seven
months was also hospitalized, overwhelmed with grief.
And
Damini . . .
Damini
stood, weeping by Champakali's body. At first she stood in one place
for nine days, refusing food or water despite India's record heat wave.
Her legs swelled up and gave way. She fell to the ground and layed
on her side, staring at the staff with her sad eyes, moist with tears.
Doctors
pumped more than 100 bottles of glucose, saline and vitamins into her,
set up fans against the blazing Indian heat, and tried to help her stand.
But
Damini remained on her side, weeping, her head and ears drooping, loose
skin sagging and bone protruding.
She
did not recover from the loss of her beloved Champa.
Damini
died of starvation on May 5, 1999,
Twenty
four days after Champakali died giving birth
To
a stillborn child.
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