BIJLI'S RESCUE 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 broken and 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 for Bijli’s freedom. She was brought to the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Mathura for long-term care. With dedicated treatment to her injured leg and her overworked, exhausted limbs, her injuries gradually healed. But what was equally essential was Bijli’s psychological healing, and this was aided by the companionship of Chanchal and Laxmi.
Chanchal, Bijli and Laxmi are an inseparable trio; they enjoy their long walks together and love their relaxing dips at the river Yamuna thoroughly! Chanchal leads the herd, while Laxmi stays in the middle and Bijli is right at the end, owing to her slow pace. But 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!
