Raju
Year of arrival: 2014
Age at the time of arrival: 50 years old
Sex: Male
Recognisable features: Tuskless (makhna)
Health condition when rescued: Gaunt; soaring blisters on legs from spiked chains, multiple scars and chronic abscesses across body caused by bullhook jabs, chronic abscess on left hip
Facility: Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC)
Favourite food: Sugarcane and muskmelons
Favourite activities: Playing with his tyre enrichment
Background: Torn away from his mother as a calf, Raju was rescued from Uttar Pradesh where he was coerced to beg for decades. He would cower at the whip of a bullhook, but his owner just couldn’t care less. | READ MORE ABOUT RAJU
raju’S STORY
When we saw Raju for the first time, he was tightly restrained with spiked chains, and had been repeatedly beaten and prodded with bullhooks. Years of mistreatment, abuse and inadequate care had left him gaunt and miserable. In addition, Raju’s withering body bore multiple scars and chronic abscesses — all caused by jabs of the bullhook.
Raju was rescued in 2014, and he has been experiencing comfort in the safety of his surroundings at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre. Raju’s captivity under brutal conditions had left him with chronic injuries, and our expert veterinarians treated these on priority. Antiseptic medicines and antibiotics were prescribed for Raju’s hip abscess. While progress was made, the wound is chronic and therefore Raju remains under constant medical observation. To help build his immunity and internal strength, dietary supplements became a part of his daily meals.
After living all his life as a ‘begging’ elephant, Raju now resides in a large enclosure where he can relax. He also has round-the-clock access to the pool in his field. Medical attention, nutritious meals, fresh fruit and dedicated care have worked wonders for Raju to become a healthy and happy elephant.