Laxmi’s larger-than-life persona and playful antics have made her a favourite amongst our staff and supporters! Rescued in 2013 as a begging elephant from Maharashtra, Laxmi came under our care as an obese elephant. The year 2024 marks her 11th year at Wildlife SOS’s Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC), where the relentless care she has received has vastly improved her physical and mental health. Today, she leisurely strolls along the river Yamuna in the company of her best friends, Bijli and Chanchal. Her eagerness to head for one is evident when Laxmi loudly trumpets to her two friends, who share the adjacent enclosure, as though asking them to get ready for the walk! What amazes our staff is how Bijli and Laxmi enthusiastically respond to dear Laxmi, confirming that they are all set to go!
To celebrate Laxmi’s 11th rescueversary, we picked out some of the best anecdotes that are sure to bring a big smile to your face!
1. Laxmi’s Nap Strategy!
When the 29-year-old pachyderm is out on her long walk, she can be seen pausing multiple times. It is true that she stops to take a rest, but her caregiver has noticed how quickly she falls asleep while doing so! He makes sure to keep an eye on her as she catches some Zs, and after a few minutes, softly nudges her to wake her up. One time, Laxmi refused to open her eyes and get up, pretending to be in deep sleep. As soon as her caregiver pulled out some delicious treats from his carry bag, Laxmi was wide awake and back on her feet! The foodie was quick to gulp these goodies with delight, after which, she resumed her jolly walk with Bijli and Chanchal.
2. The Skilled Multitasker!
Recently, Laxmi was spotted resting against her mud bed while her caregiver dedicatedly trimmed her toenails as part of the foot care provided to elephants under our care. As this was going on, her dexterous trunk was working on undoing the knot of the haynet enrichment that was closeby. By the time her toenail trimming concluded, Laxmi had managed to successfully dismantle the enrichment and munch on all the green fodder… while she was laying down! The clever pachyderm had discovered that untying the knots of a haynet feeder would make the snacks come out altogether at once, making them much simpler to access. Even the most complex of knots failed to defeat Laxmi’s wit, determination and, of course, appetite! We also learnt that not too long ago, Laxmi spent over an hour undoing the knot of her hanging drum feeder enrichment, which eventually fell on the ground with a loud thud, scattering the peanuts it was filled with all around for her to cheerfully munch on!
3. Laxmi: The Water Baby!
Laxmi loves spending time in her pool. She can stay there for hours, and her favourite part is to have a bucket of watermelon slices brought to her while she lounges in the water. One of our staff photographers recently filmed Laxmi enjoying her swim and snacks. Laxmi seemed to understand the photographers’ intent to capture a candid photo, and each time they tried to get a perfect shot, she would playfully splash water around them, leaving them cautious of their equipment. Their fear stems from a memory when once, while clicking one of Laxmi’s priceless pictures, a photographer was given a massive spray that completely drenched the camera’s lens!
4. The Picky Foodie
After feeding on junk food from the streets, Laxmi was introduced to a diet at Wildlife SOS that defined nutrition for an elephant. She was highly fussy when a feast of fresh fruits and vegetables was presented to her, and was only keen on lapping up chunks of sweet watermelon from the lot. Now, she weighs a healthy 4800 kgs, and has adapted to the nourishment she receives, of which apples are her favourite fruit! She continues to remain picky about the veggies, and conveniently pushes aside any beetroots and pumpkins that come her way. She also indulges in her meals of cooked concentrate that has much-needed fibre and millets. The caregivers add probiotics, digestive powders, supplements and mineral mixtures meant for her upkeep in her meals itself, so that the pachyderm takes them in smoothly.
5. Mindful of Skincare!
A surprise summer shower brought much-needed respite from the scorching sun, and our trio – Bijli, Laxmi, and Chanchal couldn’t have been happier! Rainfall always reawakens Laxmi’s enthusiastic side. Once it subsides, she scoops up the collected water with her trunk, mixes it well with the sand around her, and flinging the mud created all over herself, like a natural sunscreen. Needless to say, Laxmi had spent a good portion of that rainy summer afternoon tossing this cool mud mix on her back!
6. Playful Pranks on Walking Paths
Laxmi eagerly strides during her walks that take place twice every day. The elated elephant reveals her mischievous streaks when she begins to mock charge at the birds she sees along her path! Her caregiver often finds himself grinning and shaking his head when Laxmi chases a tiny bird away. He often says that either the little birds or our majestic Laxmi perhaps misjudge their own sizes before indulging in such amusing acts!
On the occasion of Laxmi’s 11th rescueversary, we hope you all send best wishes for many healthy years to this lively elephant. Her quirky behaviour and fun-filled mannerisms are what make Laxmi adored by everyone! To support the care of this beloved elephant, you can sponsor her by clicking here.
