An elephant that has spent nearly four decades in captivity after being leased for use in processions and weddings has been rescued from wildlife dealers.
The elephant conservation charity, Wildlife S.O̲.S, followed the elephant’s movements for almost a year to gather the evidence before being rescued from its illegal detention facility in Farrukhabad, India.
Watch the video at the end.
The elephant Priyanka believed to be about 44 years old, was found abandoned after a six-day surgery to rescue her and is slowly losing her sight, arthritis, degenerative joint disorder as well as leg problems.
The elephant was being used illegally and was hired for weddings but was rescued on November 23 with the Uttar Pradesh Forestry Department and the Local Police’s help.
She was transported by the Wildlife S.O̲.S, the first of its kind in India, and taken to the Elephant Conservation and Care Center in Mathura, where she would receive care and treatment.
A veterinarian’s medical examination revealed that she suffered from severe malnutrition and progressive blindness, among other problems, due to extreme neglect and lack of complete medical care over years of surviving a poor diet.
Her feet were in terrible condition, with overgrown toenails and worn pads, and she had abscesses on her right hind leg and fungal infections of her ears and torso.
Dr. Gochalan Elango, Veterinarian Wildlife S.O̲.S, said: “Priyanka is highly malnourished.
“Her hind leg is bent inward due to a severe nutritional deficiency, osteoarthritis, and arthritis.
“We have also observed overgrown, chapped toenails and severely worn feet.
“She requested immediate veterinary intervention, and our team started with her treatment regimen.”
Priyanwillily receive wound treatment and enjoy a nutritious diet, gentle exercise, and regular soaks in the center’s swimming pool.
Geeta Seshamani, the co-founder of Wildlife S.O̲.S, said: “It’s great to see Priyanka taking her first steps towards a life of recovery and freedom.
“Shneedsof a lot of medical care right now, but we are relieved to know that Priyanka can now simply be an elephant in the team of other rescued elephants.”
Watch the video below: