SURAJ'S RESCUE STORY
Suraj was a temple elephant who was living an extremely uncomfortable life in a dark, damp room that was too small for him. Decades of confinement had turned his joints stiff, and he was finding it much too difficult to function in his big, lumbering body.
Suraj’s rescue from a temple in December 2015 signalled a certain threat of hostility and possible danger. Once the necessary paperwork was in order, the rescue team headed in the direction of Satara, where Suraj was.Tense hours of negotiation followed as the team, accompanied by a force of more than 70 law-enforcement officers and three hired bodyguards, tried to reason with the temple officials, even as an ever-growing mob of irate locals posed a constant risk of violence. With a little luck and lots of determination on our side, we were finally able to lead Suraj towards the awaiting Wildlife SOS elephant ambulance.
Warm sunlight reflected off his magnificent tusks, as the large bull elephant finally stepped into the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre. At the time of his rescue, Suraj’s gaunt and bony frame concerned everyone as he was severely underweight for his tall frame. The priority of our team then became to help him put on weight that would further help him gain strength.
The staff expected Suraj to take a while to recuperate, since the new sights, sounds and smells at the rescue centre were sure to be overwhelming. But the regal bull took everyone by surprise as he ambled happily around the centre, enjoying the treats being doled out to him and even took out the time for a relaxing mud bath. From then on, his journey of recovery has been only uphill, no setbacks. For over four decades of his life, Suraj suffered greatly. This trauma had battered not only his body but his spirit as well. It is rewarding to see Suraj enjoy the peacefulness at his new home.
