ELEPHANT CRIES WHEN RESCUED... AFTER 50 years

When I first read this story of torture, control and abuse of a gentle sweet giant, an Indian Elephant named Raju, I was the one who cried. I cried for the lack of humanity in this world, and how humans seem to believe, somewhere in their sick distorted sense of ownership and control, that they have the RIGHT to abuse an animal and profit from it at the same time.

Elephants are sacred animals to Hindus...over 80% of Indians are Hindu. It is hard to believe that this atrocity can occur in India knowing this fact, yet here is this horrific story

I was sickened when I read how this beautiful giant had been captured and secluded, chained and abused for 50 years..f I f t y years! That about how long I've been alive! The lifespan of these gentle giants is about 70 yrs. The so-called humans in control of this magnificent creature ( and there were numerous owners over the years) used it as a "begging" ploy...where people would throw money into a basket when they saw this poor emaciated, wounded and spirit broken giant. SICK!

And so, 50 years later, on July 2, a rescue team which included veterinarians, animal protection officers and many volunteers, needed to steal him from the darkened night and return him to a world where he will never be harmed again.

The Wildlife SOS team, a group of individuals who dedicate their lives to saving many species of animals in India, were determined to get Raju out of his horrible life and into the hands of loving, caring humans.

As they spoke to Raju and fed him some fruit to reassure the shackled sacred mammal, tears began to pour from his grateful eyes, as if knowing, that his life in bondage was indeed over. It was witnessed by his saviors and they began tearing up as well.

Elephants have the largest brain of all mammals and it is believed, they have extroidinary memories. They are not just superior in intelligence but are very nurturing , especially females, called cows, who raise their calfs in a matriachial existence. The males stay in the herd for many years and all are devoted to each other and their survival.

Again, so hard to believe that anyone would treat such a noble creature in the ways this fellow was treated, for so many long years. But thanks to the Wildlife SOS team, he was on the road to freedom and a whole new existence.

The escape was successful and the obviously grateful soul was transported to another part of India where he will be living on a reserve along with others of his breed. On July 4th, while Americans celebrated their freedom, Raju took his first steps of freedom, fittingly. How glorious!

I can only wonder what Raju thought all that time, as he was dishonored, disrespected and humiliated according to India's spiritual beliefs. Did he hold some small fragment of hope or faith still in mankind? How was it possible through his 24 hour a day of shackled painful horror, that he survived his ordeal?

All that is certain, is that mankind has displayed unbelievable cruelty throughout time to each other, and to his fellow creatures that inhabit his world. But also, it is true, that there are many humans who refuse to allow this cruelty and fight for kindness and dignity among all living creatures, elephants included. And for this fact, there remains hope that this cruelty will not go unnoticed anywhere as long as this poor creature had to endure, and hopefully not again.

Someday, we, as humans, may actually realize how to respect the rights that we have as humans, and that includes the rights to ensure our fellow creatures are treated kindly, lovingly as was intended from the very beginning of time. The fact that poachers still murder these majestic beings for their ivory tusks will continue as long as ivory is in demand all over the world. We can make a difference by supporting the many efforts out there, worldwide, to end these barbaric practices..No demand then there's no need for supply. It's that simple! Our voices need to be loud and our efforts need to be continuous.

I will remember this story and hopefully you will too and also remember those tears of joy, relief and gratitude that a 50 year old Indian elephant shed thanks to the superb bravery and dedication of a few humans, who didn't forget how to be truly human. Good luck Raju, in your new freedom with your fellow elephants and may you live peacefully for the duration of your time here on earth.    Namaste!