Why Do Injured Elephants Stay in Water for Long Periods?

Why disabled elephants are in water for long time?

We have seen most of the disabled elephants are in water for long time periods. There are more reasons for that. Reason can be vary according to the incident.

1. Pain Relief and Inflammation Control

Cold water immersion helps reduce inflammation and numb pain, much like how cold compresses work in humans.
By staying submerged, the elephant is likely attempting to alleviate discomfort from swelling and possible joint or soft tissue injuries.

2. Weight Offloading

Water provides buoyancy, which helps reduce the weight and pressure on the injured leg.
Given the immense body weight of elephants, this buoyancy would offer temporary relief from strain, especially if walking is painful or difficult.

3. Protection from Infection and Flies

Open wounds or inflamed areas are highly attractive to flies and parasites, which can worsen infections.
Staying in water helps keep flies off the injury, and if the water is relatively clean, it may also cleanse wounds and reduce risk of secondary infection.

4. Thermoregulation and Stress Reduction

Injured or ill elephants often become less mobile and more vulnerable to heat stress.
Water helps regulate body temperature, especially during the day, and offers a calming environment where the elephant can rest with minimal energy expenditure.

5. Instinctive Behavior

Elephants are intelligent animals known to self-medicate or modify their behavior based on discomfort.
Staying in water for long periods may be an instinctive healing strategy, observed in wild elephants with injuries.

Certain medications, especially antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, can cause side effects that contribute to the elephant's behavior of staying submerged in water

⛔ During the recent incident involving Bathiya the tusker, some individuals attempted to portray the elephant’s presence in the water as a sign of extremely poor health. However, this could largely be due to the effects of antibiotics. Nevertheless, we cannot accurately make such conclusions from the outside. Although the elephant remained in the water, it was reported to be standing on its feet and receiving food, which led many to believe that he was in better condition than before. In any case, we all hope for Bathiya's recovery and his swift return to a normal life.