India’s best loved elephant is celebrating five years of freedom after spending 50 years confined to chains.
Raju moved the world with his tearful reaction when he was rescued by Wildlife SOS volunteers, a charity which rescues wildlife across India, in July 2014.
He had previously spent five decades roaming the streets of Uttar Pradesh with his owner, who was keeping him illegally and using him for begging.
During that time he was tightly restrained by spiked chains, while his thin body bore multiple scars and abscesses, caused by repeated jabs with a bullhook.
He had become gaunt and miserable from years of mistreatment, abuse and inadequate care.
Since his rescue, Raju has been living in happy retirement at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Churmura, where he has his own large enclosure.
He also has around the clock access to a pool, regular medical attention and nutritious food.
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Raju celebrated his fifth year at the conservation with a healthy elephant ‘cake’ made of cooked pulses, fruit and vegetables festooned with a number five created out of sugarcane.
Kartick Satyanarayan, co-Founder & CEO of Wildlife SOS, said: ‘The past five years with Raju has been an incredible journey for all of us.
‘His determination to get better has accelerated his recovery to an extent that nobody was sure, was possible.
‘Sometimes it’s hard to imagine the amount of pain and loneliness he endured for so many years.
‘Watching Raju enjoy his retirement in peace fills our heart with happiness and keeps us motivated to help other elephants that continue to be treated with such cruelty, as he was.’
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Raju’s vet, Dr Yaduraj Khadpekar, said he was shocked by had badly the elephant had been treated when they were first introduced.
He said: ‘He had spiked chains on his feet that were digging into his flesh, and his body was riddled with scars and painful abscesses. Removing those chains was quite symbolic.
‘For us, it meant that we had this great opportunity and responsibility to give Raju a second chance at a life of freedom.
‘For Raju, it was a symbolic moment that represented him stepping into a kinder life.’
