Regal Tusker Rescued From Circus, Marks 15 Years Of Freedom At Sanctuary
Mathura, December 16 (TNA) An adult male elephant with regal tusks, Rajesh was rescued in 2010 from a circus in Uttar Pradesh. With a life that was dictated by circus tricks and brutal training, today the male tusker celebrates 14 years of his freedom at Wildlife SOS’ elephant sanctuary in Mathura, where he enjoys a safer life.
Compelled to perform at a circus, audiences would be overjoyed to watch captive elephant Rajesh stand on his hind legs and play football, unaware of the brutal training that he had to endure to perform all these unnatural tricks. He would spend hours being tortured, beaten with sticks and bull-hooks to “obey” commands.
The abuse he faced as a performing elephant caused severe mental distress. Despite being freed from this painful life when Wildlife SOS successfully rescued and rehabilitated him, Rajesh initially displayed stereotypic behaviour.
He refused to rest and constantly trumpeted in discomfort when the veterinary team would approach him for treatment. Gradually, the vets used soothing songs to calm him down and he started trusting his caregivers. The veterinary team treated the wounds on his feet and provided a nutritious diet to revive his strength.
Rajesh is a shadow of his past, and his temperament has undergone a remarkable transformation. He has become more gentle and calm, and forged a bond of trust with his caregivers. Due to the transformation brought about by the caring elephant veterinarians and staff, Rajesh now has a healthy appetite and savours fresh fruits and vegetables daily, comprising pumpkin, bottle gourd, watermelons and raw bananas.
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO, Wildlife SOS expressed, “It is unimaginable for humans to understand Rajesh’s pain that he suffered and endured for so many years. We worked hard to give Rajesh his independence back and he is living a life filled with love and care. It is a joyful occasion for us as he marks 14 years of his freedom.”
Geeta Seshamani, Co-founder and Secretary, Wildlife SOS said, “The second part of Rajeshs’s life is brimming with compassion and affection. The elephant care staff make sure that they are always ready with necessary preparations for Rajesh. A healthy amount of fresh vegetables ensures Rajesh’s wholesome diet, keeping this majestic elephant nourished.”
Baiju Raj M.V, Director- Conservation Projects, Wildlife SOS informed, “Rajesh undergoes grooming for his nails and foot pads regularly. Close to 15 years of effort to improve Rajesh’s condition has resulted in remarkable recovery of his health. Seeing him live a fulfilling life under our care is one of the biggest joys that we have experienced.”