Freed from Decades of Darkness, Elephant Suraj Can’t Stop Smiling

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Suraj, a 45-year-old elephant, spent decades in a dark, confined space at a temple in Maharashtra, India. Chained and neglected, the elephant’s name, which means “sun” in Hindi, belied the darkness that defined his life.

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When Wildlife SOS learned about Suraj’s dire situation, the organization’s co-founder Geeta Seshamani was determined to rescue him and provide the care he desperately needed.

Watch the video at the end.

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However, the rescue mission was far from simple. The Wildlife SOS team faced 10 hours of negotiations and opposition from a mob insistent on keeping Suraj captive.

Source: Wildlife SOS/FB

Finally, on December 20, 2015, Suraj was loaded onto an elephant ambulance and escorted to safety by local police and state forest department officials.

Source: Wildlife SOS/FB

Upon examining the elephant, Wildlife SOS veterinarians discovered the extent of Suraj’s mistreatment, which included bullhook wounds, lice infestations, infected eyes, and a missing left ear – likely torn off when he was poached as a baby.

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Source: Elephant Asia Rescue and Survival foundation – EARS

“Sadly, although [elephants] are worshipped in temples throughout the country, they are housed in pathetic conditions in ignorance of their complex physical, psychological, and social requirements,” said Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder of Wildlife SOS.

Source: Wildlife SOS/FB
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After his rescue, Suraj embarked on a four-day journey to Wildlife SOS’s Elephant Conservation and Care Center. There, he was warmly welcomed with sugarcane and bananas, marking the beginning of his new life.

Source: Copal/FB
Source: Wildlife SOS/FB
Source: Wildlife SOS/FB

Now, Suraj relishes mud baths, basks in the sun, and enjoys leisurely strolls through fields with a constant smile on his face. Affectionately called the “handsome tusker,” he receives love, treats, and care from his caretakers.

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Source: Wildlife SOS/FB
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Source: Wildlife SOS/FB
Source: Wildlife SOS/FB
Source: Arte For Elephants

Suraj’s rescue sheds light on the plight of temple elephants in India, emphasizing the need for dignity and respect toward these majestic creatures.

Watch the video below:


Via: The Dodo

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