All is well that ends well - Champa, a 52-year-old captive elephant from the Dalma wildlife sanctuary, has recovered fully from arthritis spreading happiness all around.

The female jumbo, which was freed from the clutches of beggars in Jamtara in 2010 and subsequently transported to Dalma for rehabilitation, has regained her fitness after being down with the disease for three months.

There has been a spike in her diet too and she is happily spending her time with companion Rajni, another captive elephant.

Dalma range officer (West) Dinesh Chandra said Champa is no longer on medication and is having tonic on a daily basis. "The elephant is no longer given infrared ray and ayurvedic leaves (Giloy). She is given tonic for strength. After all, Champa is aged and the ailment has made her weak," he added.

According to Chandra, the elephant, along with Rajni, goes for long walks along the Dalma foothills. "The mahaut takes Champa for grazing at around 11 am and returns to her shade in Makukakocha by 3 pm. The mahaut said Champa has is walking more than ever. We are very happy with the health of the elephant," the range officer added.

Champa started getting infrared ray on the advice of a vet in a Bhubaneswar-based zoological park, Nandan Kanan from end-September. The Dalma foresters also started giving 'Giloy' plants a week later. She started showing quick signs of recovery after consuming Giloy.

Chandra informed that Champa is served food in the morning and late afternoon. "Besides gourds, carrots, bananas and leaves, we also serve khichdi and daliya. We have observed that the elephant has increased her daily food in-take. Food consumption has increased after her recovery from arthritis," he said.

Meanwhile, Champa and Ranji will soon get jute jackets for protection against the chill. "We have already procured jute sacks from Jamshedpur and have delivered them to a tailor for stitching. The jute jackets will be delivered to us in 3-4 days. Dalma is getting chilly every passing day," the range officer said.

Daily wagers still wait for their dues

Dalma daily wagers are still waiting for their pending dues. Twenty four men and women have not received their dues since April. They are surviving on help from foresters, some of whom are giving them monetary support and have also asked ration shops to provide groceries to daily wagers on credit.