Chanchal
Year of arrival: 2012
Age at the time of arrival: 16 years old
Sex: Female
Recognisable features: Ends of both her ears are torn; symmetrical depigmentation on the borders of her ears
Health condition when rescued: Malnourished and dehydrated; bruises and wounds on entire body, permanently diffused hindleg
Facility: Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC)
Favourite food: Raw bananas and watermelons
Closest to: Bijli
Favourite activities: Playing in the pool
Background: A tragic collision with a truck left Chanchal with several serious injuries. When Chanchal was brought to the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre, she could barely take her own weight due to the leg injury from the accident, and she was in immense pain. However, with the dedicated care of our team of veterinarians, her wounds healed and we saw a completely different side to Chanchal! | READ MORE ABOUT CHANCHAL
chanchal’S STORY
Chanchal miraculously survived an accident on a highway in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, where a truck collided with her and left her with a permanently diffused left hind joint. Her body was also covered with scars from injuries sustained in the past. Chanchal’s healing journey has been no less than an inspiring and courageous one. While she could barely stand after the accident, her spirit was not broken, and she recovered to become an elephant who now makes a dash towards her pipe-feeder each time it is filled with yummy dates!
Initially shy in her new surroundings at Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre, Chanchal would prevent caregivers and veterinarians from coming close to her, but gradually, she seemed to sense the care and began to grow comfortable in their presence. She responded to the medical attention that allowed her to heal her wounds. Chanchal slowly became accustomed to her surroundings, revealing herself to be a complete water baby! She enters the pool in her field right after it is cleaned and refilled. She has lived up to her name chanchal, a Hindi word that translates to “playful”. She spends her day tossing around her tyre enrichment or cheerfully heading to those that are filled with treats. She is a delightful elephant who has won our hearts!