Palghat, April 19: The chances of survival of 20-year-old elephant Bhaskar, who is fighting a fierce battle against death on the sands of Chitupuzha river, look bleak. The gigantic pachyderm, about nine feet in height, was recuperating from the present stroke 20 days earlier. Veterinary doctor who is treating the animal, Dr. K. According to Ramachandran, it is completely debilitated and has swelling in its front legs. Although he ate normally, he said, it could not easily escape his current illness that had not yet been diagnosed. Vitamin tablets and B complex tablets were being given to enable the animal to take up the energy to stand on its own again. Along with two other teeth brought from Palghat today, the ailing Bhaskaran, who had been lying in one posture for the last 20 days, was turned to the other side to make him feel at ease. It is said that about two months ago, Bhaskaran suffered a stroke while returning from Kongar. It stood in a particular place and did not move for hours at a time. It was immediately treated and rest was advised. Veterinarians taking care of the animal tried to lift it up with a giant crane.