Macadamia
Year of arrival: 2015
Age at the time of arrival: 22 years old
Sex: Male
Recognisable features: No tusks; less depigmentation and more uniform colour
Health condition when rescued: Displayed stereotypic behaviour due to psychological distress
Facility: Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC)
Favourite food: Sugarcane
Favourite activities: Playing with his tyre enrichment
Background: Macadamia and three more elephants were rescued from a circus in Maharashtra. He would be tortured to learn and perform tricks to entertain audiences. At Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre, Macadamia was seen displaying stereotypy by aggressively bobbing his head. A traumatic past led him to become wary of both his new surroundings as well as human beings. | READ MORE ABOUT MAC
macadamia’S STORY
Macadamia was among four elephants rescued in 2015 from a circus in Maharashtra, the largest group to arrive under Wildlife SOS’s long-term care. They were lovingly named the ‘Nut Herd’, with Macadamia being the oldest one in it.
Extremely wary of his new surroundings, Macadamia would not allow any veterinarian or caregiver near him initially. As time passed, Macadamia came to understand that he was consistently receiving nourishing food, and that he had left behind those who had tortured him to perform for a clapping audience. He soon came to know that he was residing in a place with caregivers he could trust. The bull elephant, fondly called Mac, continues to receive love and care. He enjoys strolling across his spacious enclosure, indulges in relaxing dust baths and spends time basking under the sun.