It is with heavy hearts and profound sorrow that we share the news of our dear Suzy passing in the early hours of the morning of September 29, 2024. As the oldest pachyderm at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Mathura, Suzy was affectionately known as the “grandma”—a title she wore with grace and quiet dignity. Her devoted caregiver, Baburam ji, lovingly called her Paro, meaning beautiful in Sanskrit. The bond they shared was one for the ages, truly special, built on deep trust and fondness.
Suzy was the very first elephant to be rescued after the launch of the Wildlife SOS Circus Elephant Campaign, an initiative that aimed to liberate all of India’s circus elephants. Like so many circus elephants, Suzy was subjected to a life filled with cruelty from a young age. Her spirit was broken through beatings and other unforgivable forms of abuse, all to make her obedient to the harsh, unnatural training demanded for circus performances. She was deprived of proper care, often starved and forced to stand for hours in filthy, unhygienic conditions, and denied immediate access to water. When not performing, Suzy was chained with heavy iron biting into her tired feet, restricting even the slightest movement. Over the years, she grew old, frail, and blind without ever knowing the joy of freedom.
After nearly six decades of this relentless suffering, Suzy’s life finally took a turn for the better when Wildlife SOS rescued her in 2015. The 65-year-old pachyderm’s body bore scars from mistreatment, but her spirit showed remarkable resilience as she wholeheartedly accepted the love and care showered on her by the staff at Wildlife SOS. Despite living years of neglect, Suzy’s heart was still capable of healing and forgiving.
It was the first time that Suzy experienced human love that was showered on her by our team. Along with this, she also met Asha and Lakhi, two other elephants rescued from lives of hardship. The three were rescued within days of each other and formed an inseparable bond almost immediately, like kindred spirits brought together by fate. They became each other’s constant companions, helping one another heal from both the physical and emotional scars of their pasts. Asha took on the role of the matriarch, guiding Suzy and Lakhi, both lacking sight, as they navigated their new world of freedom.
It was as though their meeting was written in the stars. The trio spent their days exploring the open fields at the centre, basking in the warmth of the sun. Asha used a variety of rumbling calls to help Lakhi and Suzy find their way, accompanying them with gentle reassurance. During their walks, Asha would often run her trunk along Suzy and Lakhi’s faces, as though reminding them tenderly that they were safe. Among the three, Suzy’s diminutive figure along with her quiet, unassuming nature, allowed her to feel secure with her larger companions.
Sadly, the close trio became a duo when Lakhi passed away in 2018. Suzy also lost Asha’s company when the latter departed in 2022, leaving her as the last remaining member of the once inseparable herd.
It was during these sad times when Suzy’s bond with her caregiver, Baburam ji, deepened in unexpected ways. After Asha’s passing, it was Baburam ji who kindly stepped into her role of patiently coaxing Suzy to walk again. By offering the support she once received from Asha, Baburam ji’s presence helped Suzy heal from loss and loneliness. Over time, their relationship evolved into something far deeper than that of a caregiver and his elephant. Suzy came to rely on her caregiver to be her eyes, trusting him to lead her along her way. In turn, he treated her with the kind of love and devotion one would show to an ageing parent or a cherished child, ensuring she received the care and respect she so deserved.
During their walks, her caregiver would walk ahead, carrying bananas and other treats, speaking to Suzy in a calm, reassuring voice. Suzy, guided by the scent of the treats and his sound, would carefully make her way through the landscape of the elephant centre. His care didn’t stop there—knowing that Suzy had lost her molars due to age, he would patiently cut her fruits and vegetables into small pieces, and blend them into a smoothie so she could take in the healthy mix easily. Since she would slurp these with great delight, these smoothies were soon named “Suzy’s smoothies”! He even rolled her cooked concentrate meal into bite-sized balls, feeding them to her one by one. Baburam ji also ensured that her cage feeder was filled with the freshest, softest, and juiciest fodder to make chewing easier for her, attending to her every need with unmatched dedication.
Suzy and her caregiver’s bond was truly one for the ages. The sight of the two walking side by side, or of him quietly talking to her as he went about his day, became a cherished and familiar scene at our centre. Now, with Suzy no longer by his side, that once comforting sight will be the hardest absence to bear. Suzy’s gentle kindness and calm presence touched the lives of all who visited, and her strength of spirit left an unforgettable impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Though she appeared smaller next to the towering figures of her fellow elephants, Suzy’s impact on our hearts was immeasurable. Her legacy will forever remain woven into the fabric of our lives.
Fate works in mysterious ways, often beyond our understanding. It’s always encouraging to witness how these elephants, who have endured such harsh beginnings, find their way to us and finally experience the peace they deserve. Through the unwavering, compassionate and steadfast support of all those who stand with us, Wildlife SOS has been able to transform the futures of many such elephants. While Suzy’s passing leaves us all with a heavy heart, we are consoling ourselves with the reassurance that we were able to provide her with nine years of care, for her to discover untroubled tranquillity.
In the early hours of morning, as Suzy took her final breaths, her caregiver was by her side, gently holding her trunk as she bid him a silent, heartfelt farewell. Just as Suzy had stood by Asha and Lakhi in their final moments, Baburam ji stayed with her, offering her comfort as she crossed the rainbow bridge. We now imagine her reuniting with Asha and Lakhi, her treasured companions. Though tears stream down our faces at the loss of our beloved Suzy, we find solace in the memories she leaves behind. We miss you, Suzy, and we hope you know how deeply you were loved and appreciated for the joy you brought to our lives. Rest in peace, dear old friend.
