One year ago Raju the elephant was released from captors.
Found by wildlife rangers, the Asian elephant was beaten and tortured daily and kept in filthy conditions in India.
To celebrate his ‘one year anniversary’ the gentle giant has partaken in the best anniversary tradition – cake!
Raju who spent 50 years in captivity, often used as street entertainment, famously cried real tears when they removed the chains from his legs.
Thanks to the wildlife rangers that saved his life from his abusive owners, Raju is currently living a very happy life at the The Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Center in India.
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“Raju has come so far over the past year, and we credit much of this growth to his incredible capacity to forgive the reprehensible treatment he suffered for 50 years,” said Nikki Sharp, Wildlife SOS USA executive director.
“While Americans celebrate their freedoms this time of year, we hope this is also a time of reflection. Raju’s story has a happy ending, however there are still thousands of Asian elephants chained, abused, and in need of rescue. We want his story to inspire and compel supporters to get involved and help save these amazing and endangered creatures.”
Raju ‘crying’ the day he was released.
“Raju’s new found freedom has granted him a life with a comfortable place to sleep, plentiful amounts of food, a pool for fun and relaxation and dedicated mahouts who care for him 24-hours a day,” said Geeta Seshamani, Co-Founder of Wildlife SOS, “Raju has also formed new friendships among The Herd of Hope especially with ‘the munchkin’ female elephants Laxmi, Bijli and Chanchal.”
“The biggest challenge that Raju faces is simply learning how to be an elephant,” said Steve Koyle, Wildlife SOS volunteer and elephant keeper at the Phoenix Zoo. “He’s been told what to do, beaten and neglected for so many years. Now, Raju has the option of swimming, dusting, scratching, foraging and sleeping on big dirt beds under the stars. He now has the freedom of choice.”
Happy anniversary, Raju!
Unfortunately, there are between 2,000-3,000 elephants held in the same type of abusive captivity as Raju. To donate to Raju’s rescue fund, or to help other elephants just like him, please visit Wildlife SOS.
