Laxmi

LAXMI'S RESCUE STORY

At the young age of 18 years, Laxmi was enduring a serious case of severe osteoarthritis due to her heavy weight. During her time of begging, she would be fed with sweets and fried food from the streets, all of which are unhealthy for an elephant. That is why Laxmi gained weight unnaturally and rapidly. When rescued, the veterinarians at Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre considered the reduction of her weight an utmost priority in order to avert any heart diseases and further stress on her arthritic limbs. 

Laxmi has an extremely happy-go-lucky personality, and food is a mighty motivator for her to progress. Having lived a life confined to chains and in solitude, Laxmi experienced a change in her new surroundings. She is now accompanied by Bijli and Chanchal on long walks twice a day, with an occasional dip in the river Yamuna. The two elephant companions have hugely helped Laxmi heal psychologically, and by doing this, they have acquainted us with a fun-loving and playful elephant that Laxmi is. Laxmi now knows well-enough that if she opens the knots of her hanging enrichment, all the food within it will fall down and will be much easier to eat! She is always devising tactics to earn a few extra treats from her caregiver. 

When the trio is out on their walks, Laxmi is quick to run astray from her path when she sees a distinct-looking plant that may end up being a delicious treat. No matter how many times Chanchal and Bijli rumble out to her, Laxmi refuses to come back, until her caregiver intervenes with some dates or green cherries! In the time that she has spent with us, she has won our hearts with her strong will and her intelligence to find a quick way out!