It is rare to see individuals emerge carefree and bubbly after enduring numerous harrowing challenges in their early lives. However, our beloved rescued pachyderm Chanchal, at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC), is a testament to her strength of spirit and resilience. Despite facing numerous hardships earlier in life, Chanchal is currently a lively, mischievous, and extroverted elephant who is loved by everyone at the centre for her various fun-filled antics. Her cheerful demeanour makes it hard for one to imagine the pain of her past, were it not for the visible scars left behind on her body.
Rescued at the young age of 16 after a severe truck accident in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, Chanchal had spent her early years as an elephant used in wedding processions. She bore a heavy howdah (saddle) on her back, and was elaborately decorated to match the theme of the weddings she was a part of. Her time as a processional elephant left her with a persistent ear infection that still flares up, visibly torn ear flaps from bullhook jabs across her pinna, and a slowly developing cataract after years of abuse. The truck accident in 2012 added further injuries to her lower back and hindlimbs, leaving her barely able to stand at the time of her rescue.
It took our dedicated team of veterinarians and caregivers nearly a year of giving intensive medical treatment and care to Chanchal to get her back on her feet and help her regain her vitality. She still suffers from a weakened hindlimb that causes her immense pain, making simple tasks like walking difficult, especially on colder days. However, this doesn’t stop her from moving around her enclosure with pride as she goes about her daily routine. And while she still bears the physical scars of her dark past, her mental well-being is nurtured by the support of her two friends.
In more than a decade since her rescue, Chanchal has found a home at ECCC, and an unwavering companionship in Bijli and Laxmi. Together, they form a little herd that Chanchal leads. Although each pachyderm has a distinctly different personality, the three come together to support and heal each other from their traumatic pasts. In fact, one can even say that it is their differences that allow them to have such strong bonds of comradeship.
Chanchal was first introduced to Bijli, who was also brought to our centre after a similar accident in 2010. Bijli is the exact opposite of our lively Chanchal. Prone to introversion, Bijli is more anxious and requires extra attention than the other elephants, which Chanchal and her caregivers are open to giving. Whenever Bijli makes the slightest sound of distress, Chanchal rushes over to reassure her that she is safe.
Laxmi was rescued in 2013 as a begging elephant, but joined the duo much later. It was Chanchal who warmly welcomed her into the group. Unlike her, Laxmi is prone to laziness, and is primarily motivated by the sight of treats. As the more dominant one in the mini herd, Chanchal keeps Laxmi in line, admonishing her vocally when she takes a long pause to shorten her walk and exercise routine!
Another way to understand the differences in their personalities is by observing how the three interact with the various food-based enrichments that are provided to them. Bijli takes her time to carefully analyse the enrichment before proceeding to use it as intended. Laxmi always looks for shortcuts to access the treats more easily, such as untying the haynet knots to get all the fodder at once.
Chanchal, on the other hand, is quite impatient when it comes to exploring new enrichments. If she cannot access the treats easily, she resorts to destroying the whole enrichment in frustration! Her logic is simple: once the enrichment is in pieces, she can easily scrape up the treats from the floor. Because of this, the caregivers at ECCC always test enrichment ideas on Chanchal first to check their durability. If the enrichment survives Chanchal’s onslaught, it can be given to the bulls and other active elephants, while those that don’t are given to the quieter giants.
Chanchal’s unique, childlike personality can also be witnessed in how she loves to spend time in the pool, but is not fond of taking baths. She can spend hours luxuriating in the pool in her enclosure, but come bath time, her caregivers have to set up a temporary fence around her to prevent her from getting away! She is also very particular about hygiene. That’s right! Chanchal refuses to enter the pool if Bijli has used it before her, making sure that she only gets fresh water to splash around!
As one spends more time observing these gentle giants, many more of their individual quirks become apparent. However, one common facet of their personalities is the love the three have for each other. Regardless of the time of day, their gestures and communications reveal deep affection they share. Whether it’s the gentle trunk touches before their walks or Chanchal’s vocalisations during their strolls to ensure they move together, these three ladies are inseparable.
You can support Chanchal’s journey with us at Wildlife SOS by becoming her monthly sponsor and helping her live a comfortable life!
