Rajesh
Year of arrival: 2010
Age at the time of arrival: 30 years old
Sex: Male
Recognisable features: Blunt, medium-sized tusks capped with gold
Health condition when rescued: Weak legs requiring urgent medical attention, mentally traumatised
Facility: Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC)
Favourite food: bananas, sugarcane
Favourite activities: Swimming in the pool and playing with a tyre enrichment
Background: Rajesh underwent more than ten years of abuse and neglect as a performing elephant in a circus. He had been severely beaten, tortured and was forced to entertain audiences with unnatural tricks. He would be kept chained in unhygienic conditions. At the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre, Rajesh experienced dedicated veterinary care and lots of affection, and he is now a much calmer, happier elephant. | READ MORE ABOUT RAJESH
rajesh’S STORY
A performing elephant for over a decade in a circus, Wildlife SOS found Rajesh in a pathetic condition — he had been severely abused physically and emotionally, and his health was not at all as robust as it was supposed to be. Because he was terrified of people, he would react to human intervention with aggression in defence. It took years of dedicated care by our team to help Rajesh gain confidence.
Our staff discovered over time that a wise, old soul sat within dear Rajesh. Years of trauma had made him bitter, but he was willing to forgive and trust our kind. It was astounding to watch how he was beginning to respond to the love and attention he was receiving. His healing was apparent as he gained strength and emerged as a handsome bull elephant. His weight was restored over time, and the weakness in his limbs gradually dissipated. He also began to show his lively and energetic nature, another reassurance to how compassion can break down tough walls.
Rajesh enjoys playing in his pool and going on long walks with caregivers. For an elephant that was deprived of nourishing food, he makes sure to readily consume green vegetables, fresh fruits and sugarcane stalks every day. Rajesh is a happy and healthy bull elephant.