In a remarkable story of resilience and redemption, Raju the elephant, who shed tears upon his release from a harrowing 50-year captivity, has now undergone a transformative journey of recovery. After nearly eight years of rehabilitation, this majestic creature has rekindled her ability to trust once again. The People revisits Raju’s extraordinary story, delving into the lasting impact of his release and the legacy he has forged, which ultimately led to the saving of 40 more elephants. Join us as we explore the profound impact of this extraordinary journey and discover how readers can contribute to this noble cause.
Raju became a global symbol of hope among animal welfare activists and his rescue has led to 40 other elephants being saved from similar horrific abuse.
Bound 24 hours a day with spiked chains, he was routinely beaten and starved.
But he was saved in a daring midnight rescue by a team from the British and Indian charity Wildlife SOS, who were “stunned” when Raju cried as he realized his ordeal was ending.
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Photos of him crying as his chains were cut were revealed in the Sunday People before making headlines around the world.
Wildlife SOS co-founder Kartick Satyanarayan said a lot has changed in the years since. He said: “He finally learned to trust humans again, that really is a miracle. He had been through so much suffering that we wondered if that would ever be possible.
Rescued elephant Laxmi feeds Raju at the Elephant Care and Conservation Center (Image:
Barcroft Media via Getty Images)
“Once he realized he was in good hands, Raju gradually started showing us his personality and became extremely friendly. His rehabilitation has been amazing to witness.”
Today, Raju has a field to walk freely, takes relaxing dust baths and even has a personal pool to splash around in, playing with his favorite toy: a huge rubber tire.
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But, says Kartick, the story doesn’t end there. He stressed: “In any case, it starts from that. “Our team now works with unparalleled dedication in monitoring sick and abused elephants across the country.”
Rescue Kalapna, Holly and Karma enjoy their dinner
Support from around the world following Raju’s rescue has allowed the charity to save 40 more elephants, with the most recent rescue on New Year’s Eve.
Kartick said: “Our last three, all saved in December, sum up the suffering.
Pari, who arrived at our elephant hospital on December 1, was left crippled where she had been tied in an abnormal position for decades.
Wildlife SOS veterinary team provides laser therapy treatment to Lakshmi
“The ginger was covered in chemical paint and charcoal decorations, which were used for wedding processions, but also to distract attention from its terrible abscesses and hook-shaped wounds.”
On top of that, Ginger is blind, it was probably done deliberately to make money off of people’s sympathy.
Kartick added: “It’s heartbreaking. She has suffered 60 years of horror. She must be so exhausted.
The third and most recent animal rescued is Lakshmi, between 25 and 30 years old and considered the thinnest elephant ever seen in India.
Kartick said, “It is shocking to see an elephant severely crippled and emaciated like Lakshmi; It is one of the worst cases we have witnessed.”
The extensive work is made possible by donations since Raju’s plight touched the world.
Kartick said: “His legacy is leading to the rescue of many more in desperate need, who will live out their days in peace and freedom in our sanctuaries.”
Geeta Seshamani, co-founder of Wildlife SOS
When Raju, believed to be 58, was rescued in July 2014, he had been “owned” by 27 different people over five decades.
Kartick said, “It had left him emaciated and miserable. He was restrained with spiked chains and his withered body had multiple scars and chronic abscesses, it was pitiful.”
Raju’s spiked chains are removed soon after his rescue.
The charity boss, who founded Wildlife SOS in 1995 with Geeta Seshamani, says he will never forget the moment his team freed Raju.
He said: “Removing those chains was symbolic. In addition to freeing Raju, for us it meant this great responsibility of giving him a second chance in life.
“And as for the tears? It was incredibly emotional for all of us. We don’t know how scientific this is, but it seemed like he understood that we were there to help him.”
People’s coverage of the rescue (Image:
People)
Kartick says there are “many, many more” elephants that still need to be rescued, used for circuses, street begging, weddings and tourist rides.
He fears that many people still do not realize the brutality used to make them obedient.
Pari enters the SOS Wildlife Elephant Hospital campus
They are deprived of sleep, food and water for months, tightly restrained and beaten with electric prods and hooks into submission.
Kartick said: “The process is brutal. It is known as ‘phajaan’, or the breaking of the spirit. The goal is to create fear in him to the point that he is too terrified to retaliate.”
Lakshimi’s health has deteriorated drastically due to neglect and abuse.
While many UK tour operators now promote cruelty-free travel, he says everyone can help by signing the petition at rejecttoride.org.
