Rescued from 50 Years of Chains: Gajraj the Elephant Finds Freedom with Wildlife SOS

Gajraj, a 70-year-old elephant, faithfully served as a temple elephant for the Royal family of Aundh in Maharashtra’s Satara district for over half a century.

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He was revered by the local community and seen as an iconic symbol in their religious ceremonies and temple processions.

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However, a turning point in Gajraj’s life occurred recently. After over five decades of service, he was retired and entrusted to the care of Wildlife SOS, a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation NGO.

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Gajraj’s retirement was prompted by concerns about his health, which were brought to light by a PETA campaign.

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GAJRAJ AT AUNDH PRIOR TO HIS RESCUE

People worldwide, deeply moved by his condition, rallied for Wildlife SOS to intervene and provide him with the care he desperately needed.

Medical examinations revealed that Gajraj suffered from toenail abscesses that could spread to his bones, hip abscesses, and severe degeneration of his foot pads.

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These health issues made him a prime candidate for geriatric, lifelong care at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation & Care Center in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh.

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LIFE WAS NOT HAPPY FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL CREATURE

As Gajraj bid farewell to the Royal family of Aundh, emotions ran high among the residents.

A large crowd gathered, and tensions escalated. To ensure the safety of the Wildlife SOS rescue team, a substantial police force was deployed.

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Finally, Gajraj was carefully loaded into India’s only specially designed elephant ambulance. Accompanied by expert veterinarians, paramedics, elephant caretakers, and the rescue team, he embarked on a 1500-kilometer journey to his new home.

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THE AGED TUSKER HAS A MAJOR TOENAIL ABSCESS IN HIS RIGHT FRONT FOOT & LEFT HIND FOOT WHICH REQUIRES IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION
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Upon arrival at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Center, Gajraj cautiously tested the ground with his trunk.

Then, for the first time in over five decades, he stepped out of the vehicle without chains, accompanied by caring elephant keepers and veterinarians. This marked the beginning of a life free from labor at a temple or in ceremonies.

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Today, Gajraj spends his days leisurely feasting on fresh fruits and green fodder, splashing in his pool, and indulging in dust baths.

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THE MOB COLLECTED AROUND THE WILDLIFE SOS ELEPHANT AMBULANCE IN AUNDH

The dedicated veterinary team administers daily medicated foot soaks, treats his abscesses, and provides him with a special diet and supplements to help him regain his strength.

Gajraj’s remarkable journey from a lifetime in chains to a peaceful and dignified retirement is a heartwarming example of how compassion and concerted efforts can transform the lives of animals in need.

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GAJRAJ ENTERING THE WILDLIFE SOS ELEPHANT AMBULANCE
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WILDLIFE SOS TEAM EAGERLY AWAIT GAJRAJ’S ARRIVAL
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70 YEAR OLD TUSKER GAJRAJ TAKING WITH FIRST STEPS OF FREEDOM AT THE WILDLIFE SOS ECCC, MATHURA
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GAJRAJ TAKES HIS FIRST DUST BATH IN HIS BRAND-NEW RESIDENCE

Read more Elephant News.

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Canidae Pet Food Reviews: An In-Depth Look

Choosing the right pet food is crucial for the health and well-being of our furry friends. In this blog post, we'll delve deep into Canidae pet food, a popular choice among pet owners, and provide an in-depth review based on various sources.

Canidae is a well-known brand in the pet food industry, offering a range of products designed to cater to pets of all ages, breeds, and sizes.

Product Range:

  • Canidae All-Life Stages (Dry): This vet-formulated product suits dogs of all ages, breeds, and sizes. It's available in both dry and wet formulas.
  •  Canidae Pure: A limited-ingredient diet crafted for dogs with food sensitivities. Each recipe typically includes 7 to 10 ingredients.

Key Ingredients

The Canidae All Life Stages Multi Protein Formula, which represents the brand's product line, contains ingredients like chicken meal, turkey meal, brown rice, peas, oatmeal, and barley. Chicken meal, the primary ingredient, is a meat concentrate with nearly 300% more protein than fresh chicken.

Recalls and Safety

Canidae has had recalls in the past. It's essential to stay updated with the brand's recall history to ensure your pet's safety.

Customer Reviews

The Canidae Dog Food product line has earned an overall rating of 4.5 stars from The Dog Food Advisor. The Canidae All Life Stages Dog Food has received the Advisor's second-highest tier rating of 4.5 stars.

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros: High protein content, suitable for all life stages, contains beneficial ingredients like flaxseed and taurine.
  •  Cons: It contains some controversial ingredients, and not all minerals are chelated, which might affect absorption.

Conclusion

Canidae All Life Stages is a grain-inclusive dry dog food that uses a notable amount of named meat meals as its primary source of animal protein. With an above-average protein content and a profile suggesting a significant amount of meat, it comes highly recommended for pet owners.