Gajraj, an elephant suffering for decades at a Hindu temple in India, has taken his first steps without chains in over 50 years.
For most of his life, Gajraj was a “temple elephant” at the Yami Devi Hindu temple in Aundh, Maharashtra.
Captured from the wild as a calf, he was subjected to severe abuse, including having the tips of his tusks hacked off and being kept in chains that caused open sores around his legs.
Despite his painful abscesses and partial blindness, Gajraj was forced to remain a tourist attraction at the temple.
On June 14, Gajraj was rescued and transported to the Wildlife SOS Elephant Care & Conservation Center in Mathura, India. The rescue operation, involving 12 experts, faced significant challenges.
Although the Queen of Aundh agreed to surrender Gajraj, a crowd of 500 locals initially obstructed the rescue, hurling rocks and stones at the team.
Wildlife SOS’s Kartick Satyanarayan described the scene as chaotic and expressed surprise at the local resistance to Gajraj’s rescue.
Upon arrival at his new home, Gajraj experienced his first taste of freedom. He eagerly explored his new environment, enjoying dust baths and fresh fruits.
Volunteers captured the touching moment on film, showing Gajraj sticking his trunk out of the truck and stepping tentatively onto his new grounds.
Wildlife SOS co-founder Kartick Satyanarayan noted that Gajraj quickly adapted to his new surroundings, relishing the fruits and dust baths.
Dr. Yaduraj Khadpekar, a charity veterinarian, began treatment immediately upon Gajraj’s arrival, addressing his hip abscesses and providing necessary care.
Wildlife SOS manager of special projects, Wasim Akram, ensured that Gajraj was kept comfortable and hydrated throughout the journey.
Multiple stops were made to allow the elephant to rest and receive green fodder and refreshing baths.
Animal welfare organization Save The Asian Elephants criticized Gajraj’s previous conditions, describing him as a “broken down, abused, injured, neglected, and ill animal.” Their CEO, Duncan McNair, expressed concern over the severe physical and psychological distress Gajraj endured.
Wildlife SOS will cover all of Gajraj’s lifetime care and medical expenses. Those interested in supporting Gajraj’s ongoing care can donate at wildlifesos.org.
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