Bijli
Year of arrival: 2010
Age at the time of arrival: 30 years old
Sex: Female
Recognisable features: Symmetrical depigmentation on the border of both her ears; outwardly bent right hindleg
Health condition when rescued: Malnourished and weak; damaged hindleg, diffused joint
Facility: Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC)
Favourite food: Sugarcane and watermelons
Closest to: Laxmi and Chanchal
Favourite activities: Going on walks with Laxmi and Chanchal
Background: Bijli spent most part of her life as a ‘begging’ elephant in the streets of Agra, and was never given adequate nourishment. She survived a road accident involving a speeding vehicle, but was left with severe injuries that have permanently affected her gait. | READ MORE ABOUT BIJLI
bijli’S STORY
Bijli’s trauma dates back to when she was separated from her herd at a young age, only to be sold at the Sonepur Cattle fair in Bihar. From then on, she led her life at the whim of her owner who abused her repetitively. Bijli never knew better as she tread tirelessly through the constrained spaces of Agra for the sake of begging. The few pennies that her owner got were all used up by him, as she was made to survive on only dry grass and water. This hugely affected her health and made her weak and malnourished.
An unfortunate collision with a truck in 2010 left Bijli with a permanently diffused joint in her hindleg. Her spirit was completely broken as she limped in pain, and it was the timely intervention of the forest department and Wildlife SOS that paved the way to the medical care she urgently needed. Bijli was brought to the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Mathura, where dedicated treatment was given to her injured leg and her overworked, exhausted limbs. Gradually, as her injuries began to heal, equal attention was given to her psychological well-being, and this was aided by the companionship of Chanchal and Laxmi.
Chanchal, Bijli and Laxmi are now an inseparable trio; they enjoy their long walks together and love their relaxing dips in the water. Chanchal leads the herd, while Laxmi stays in the middle and owing to her slow pace, Bijli is right at the end. Whenever Bijli stops, Chanchal and Laxmi are quick to notice and never shy from heading to her to give their dear friend some company. While Bijli’s body still hosts the scars of her horrific past, she has come a long way in this journey. She can be spotted indulging in relaxing mud baths in her enclosure, or munching on all the treats that her caregiver lays out for her!