Maya
Year of arrival: 2010
Age at the time of arrival: 35 years old
Sex: Female
Recognisable features: One of the tallest elephants under our care; lower set eyes
Health condition when rescued: Extremely frail and in pain; displayed stereotypic behaviour due to stress
Facility: Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC)
Favourite food: Cabbage and sugarcane
Closest to: Phoolkali and Emma
Favourite activities: Long walks with her caregiver, taking out sugarcane stalks from her enrichment feeder
Background: Maya was rescued from a circus where she lived the life of an abused, performing elephant. Often made to stand on her two legs or made to “dance” at the whip of a stick, Maya was forced to entertain people. | READ MORE ABOUT MAYA
maya’S STORY
The life of a performing elephant is an oppressive and horrendous one, where the animal is made to perform unnatural tricks for the purpose of entertainment. Maya was chained up in small enclosures for most part of the day, where she would remain standing without food or water.
When Maya arrived at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre, she was stressed and weak with severely arthritic limbs that needed urgent medical attention. Devoid of love and care while at the circus, Maya showed immense faith in our team of veterinarians and her caregiver, and was a cooperative recipient of the medical care. This included medicated foot baths to heal abscesses on her feet. Essential supplements continue to be added to her meals to boost Maya’s immunity and strength. She loves to head out for a walk with her caregiver, during which time she always pauses to scratch her back against a nearby tree!