Love and compassion for the creatures we share on this planet are feelings we should all have.
The idea that some people in this world may agree to the idea of being offended, neglected, and abandoned is disgusting to me, but unfortunately, this is a reality we all need to recognize.
For 50 years, the Raju elephant was tied by spikes, leaving no choice but to survive tourist scraps. His life was miserable, made worse by the abuse he suffered from his kidnappers.
50 Years Of Confinement 💔🐘💔 For more than 50 years, #Raju lived constantly in abuse and he spend 24 hours a day in chains. When Raju became aware that he’s being rescued, this elephant was unable to calm down his emotions and he simply began to weep. https://t.co/RvGaCgpOFl
— Angie Karan Ⓥ 🌱🐾 (@angie_karan) October 28, 2019
An abrupt end came in July 2014 when this wonderful creature was finally rescued on a mission that caught international attention.
According to the Huffington Post, Wildlife SOS, a group founded in 1995 with the aim of protecting and rescuing endangered wildlife in India, set out on July 2, 2014 to rid Raju of his torment.
I may be wrong but that looks like a massive smile on # Raju the #Elephant's face 🐘. Thanks to everyone at @WildlifeSOS 👏 👏. pic.twitter.com/CYmvfwoBAC
— PROTECT ALL WILDLIFE (@Protect_Wldlife) November 22, 2016
It is believed that Raju was 50 years old and captured as a child at this time. What followed was a buying and selling process that turned the helpless elephant into a commodity to be used for the entertainment of tourists.
He was eventually forced to work as a beggar sponsor in Allahabad, India. Shackled in jagged chains, not only was his mobility impaired, but the spikes left terrible wounds. He was also beaten and ill-treated by the kidnappers, who benefited from his presence.
Raju the elephant was rescued from mistreatment five years ago and received a special cake to celebrate 🐘🎂 pic.twitter.com/zfCYZV3eBX
— BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) August 12, 2019
After hearing SOS Raju’s story through the Indian Forestry Commission, Wildlife knows they need to act. They coordinated the attempt to save the night of July 2nd, but had a confrontation with their owner.
To confuse Raju during the rescue attempt, his kidnappers put tighter chains on him and shouted orders to confuse him. Fortunately, their tactics were in vain. A team of 10 veterinarians and experts from Wildlife SOS, with the help of 20 forest officials and two police officers, saved Raju and lead him to a better life.
The team reportedly noticed that the elephant had tears from its eyes when it realized it was finally released.
“Raju was chained 24 hours a day, which was unbearable. Wildlife SOS spokesman Pooja Binibal said,” The team was surprised to find tears streaming down his face during the rescue.
“He was incredibly emotional. We knew in our hearts that he realized he was going to set him free. Elephants are such majestic and intelligent animals. We can only imagine the severity of the torture he endured for half a century. ”
Raju was then taken to the Mathura Elephant Care and Care Center where he can begin the healing process that will be a precursor to a new and caring life.
Check out the video below to see Raju’s daring rescue mission:
Since elephants can live to be more than 70 years old, the rescuers hope that Raju will have at least ten years of comfort and love.
Many thanks to the brave spirits who saved this elephant’s life.
