“Where there is a will, there is a way!”
The life story of Erika, an elephant who is now nearly 65 years old, has been full of ups and downs. It is her willpower that proves how true the above proverb is. Erika was used as a begging elephant who would ‘bless’ people while walking for hours on end on the busy streets of Haryana. If this wasn’t harsh enough, she was also kept captive during the nights, restricted to a small concrete corner in an open field. Her journey from then to now has not only moved many people, but has also reaffirmed that one can overcome a cruel past.
In 2013, Wildlife SOS along with the support of the law enforcement authorities and forest department officials, tracked down Erika, who had been quickly hidden by her owner when news of rescuing the gentle giant spread. However, the team worked closely with the officials, and Erika was rescued successfully, just a few hours after Ella, another captive elephant found begging in Haryana. Both the elephants were brought to the Wildlife SOS Elephant Rehabilitation Centre (ERC), where they currently reside.
Erika and Ella instantly clicked, finding a pillar of support in each other. To this day, the two pachyderms have been inseparable, with their bond only growing stronger. Elephants are known to be highly compassionate towards their companions, which has been visible in the remarkable relationship between the two elephants. Ella’s presence served as a healing balm for Erika, and vice versa.
In the last 11 years, Erika, who was once shy, malnourished and physically weak, has blossomed into a confident and strong leader of her mini herd of four elephants. With Ella, the eldest one, by her side, Jasmine and Lilly closely follow her steps during their evening walks together. Having foraged for leafy greens in their field, the four indulge in playful mud baths — a spectacular sight to be seen! As social animals, elephants need a sense of togetherness to overcome the void that captive lives create in them. This is one of the reasons why at the Wildlife SOS centres, we encourage rescued female elephants to interact and form alliances with each other.
While Erika continues to be physically sound, she and her herd receive regular pedicures as part of their dedicated care! Erika thoroughly enjoys getting pampered during these sessions, during which nail trimming is carried out to ensure that her foot pads and nails remain in good shape. Sometimes while walking, small stones or pebbles may get stuck between the nails of elephants, and if left unnoticed, could lead to toenail abscesses or infections. Veterinarians and caregivers slot routine inspection of feet as top priority to keep Erika and her companions safe. As a part of the rehabilitation programme at the Wildlife SOS elephant centres, Erika and all our resident pachyderms also receive multivitamins and supplements for their overall welfare.
If there’s one elephant who never says no to food, it is Erika! Being the foodie she is, Erika finishes her food without any fuss. Her daily menu comprises a healthy portion of cooked concentrate as her meal, along with freshly cut seasonal fruits like watermelons and bananas. Erika joyfully consumes vegetables such as pumpkins, cauliflowers and cucumbers served to her. To satiate her appetite, a generous amount of green fodder is provided to her, which also find their way into the several engaging enrichments in her field.
Erika may have led a neglected life, but her past has been overshadowed by the love, care and friendships she finally found at ERC. She stands as a wise and inspiring individual, rising as a strong yet gentle giant. Her story motivates our team to believe in our goal to pave a healing path for distressed animals.
You too can help us continue the care given to elephants like Erika by making a donation!
