After 50 Years Of Abuse, This Elephant Did Something That No One Was Prepared For

July 8, 2014

For 50 years, Raju was held captive in the Uttar Pradesh area of India. Day after day, massive spiked chains cut into his starved, frail flesh. His "owner" tied him and forced him to beg for handouts from tourists, holding out his trunk.

One day, the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department in India alerted a North London-based charity, Wildlife SOS, of Raju’s plight. When they discovered what this poor creature had to deal with, the flew to India to rescue him.

A 10 person team of vets and wildlife experts were joined by 20 forestry department officers and 6 police officers. Raju had an army rescuing him.

abused elephant 50 years saved

They found Raju chained, as he was for years.

abused elephant 50 years saved

The team attempted the rescue at night, so that there would be less interference from bystanders or his "owner."

abused elephant 50 years saved

abused elephant 50 years saved

And then something beautiful happened. After being freed, tears of joy actually rolled down Raju's face.

abused elephant 50 years saved

"The team were astounded to see tears roll down his face during the rescue. It was so incredibly emotional for all of us. We knew in our hearts he realized he was being freed."

abused elephant 50 years saved

The elephant was emaciated and in terrible condition.

abused elephant 50 years saved

He was sedated and then transported to the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre at Mathura.

abused elephant 50 years saved

His open-air ride was one of his first tastes of true freedom.

abused elephant 50 years saved

 

abused elephant 50 years saved

Once at the center, Raju was given a bath and emergency medical attention.

abused elephant 50 years saved

He was fed and loved…

abused elephant 50 years saved

The long and difficult rescue was emotional for Raju, but also for his saviors.

abused elephant 50 years saved

Now, he’ll live out his days being happy, free from pain and suffering.

abused elephant 50 years saved

Via Viralnova, Dailymail

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