Let us tell you the story of 70-year-old elephant Gajraj from the Royal family of Aundh, Satara district of Maharashtra, who served the local people for more than 50 years. Sadly, for the most part of the day, he remained tied up with heavy iron chains that have given him permanent marks on his feet.

The irony was the local devotees saw him as an icon of worship as he played an important role in festivities and temple processions.

Last week, the giant was unchained and set free after PETA urged the authorities to let him live his life with dignity. Their movement was backed by the support of millions of people worldwide. Thankfully, Gajraj has now finally retired from his ‘forced duties’ and has been transferred to the Wildlife SOS at their Elephant Care and Conservation Center (ECCC) in Mathura.

We spoke to the co-founders of Wildlife SOS, Kartick Satyanarayan and Geeta Seshamani, about the famous elephant who is now having the time of his life at his new home.

We read how the beautiful Gajraj enjoyed good food and cool baths while in the ambulance on his way to Mathura. Can you elaborate on his journey a little more? 

Gajraj is a brave elephant who managed to travel a journey as long as 1500 kilometer from Aundh, Maharashtra, to the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation & Care Centre in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. He was accompanied by our expert veterinarians, paramedics, elephant caretakers, and rescue team. It took the ‘herd’ over three days to reach the destination.

Given that Gajraj is a geriatric elephant, our goal was to ensure that his journey was as comfortable as possible, allowing him ample of time to rest, giving him enough green fodder, refreshing baths and recuperate via frequent pit-stops along the long journey.

What kind of medical aid is provided to him at Wildlife SOS every day?

He is 70-year-old, and anyway, needs a lot of medical attention. Also, since he remained chained back in Aundh, he has developed foot and hip abscesses and severe degeneration on the foot pads. All this is only adding to this poor animal’s bad health.

Every day, a team of veterinarians treat him with medicated foot soaks so he can walk properly once again. Also, he gets a special diet as he is suffering from nutritional deficiencies.

What do the doctors have to say about his foot and hip abscesses?

According to our veterinarians, Gajraj requires a stress-free environment and a lot of medical attention with round-the-clock care to help him on his path to recovery. As we mentioned, his intense foot-care medication will make sure his now-delicate feet become stronger.

Has he made new friends in Mathura’s Wildlife SOS, already?

For now, Gajraj is kept in the isolation as he is prone to deadly infections. Currently, our top priority is to address his ailments and make him comfortable at the facility. Once he is fit, we will definitely allow him to interact with other elephants. Having said that, Gajraj is much able to watch and enjoy the activities of fellow elephants from his enclosure.

Talk about the behavioral changes reflecting his happiness after getting acquainted with his new life.

He is one happy elephant, we must tell you. The moment he entered the center, he immediately took to the new surroundings. We clicked many pictures of him during his first playtime in the sand. One can also spot him spending his day leisurely munching on fresh fruits and green fodder and bathing in his personal pool.

Lastly, is he afraid of the human touch/presence around him?

As Gajraj is still adjusting to his new life at the Elephant Conservation & Care Centre, it is natural for him to be a bit wary of the new people around him. Everyone at the center is giving him enough time and space to blend in. We first want to earn his trust keeping in mind what he has gone through.

We’re so happy for you, Gajraj, and wish to meet you someday ~ Sincerely, Team IWB

Photo courtesy: www.wildlifesos.org

[NOTE: If you wish to support Gajraj’s speedy health, you can contribute here]