Sanjay

SANJAY'S RESCUE STORY

Sanjay would spend his day walking on roads in the middle of traffic and blaring horns, with constant pokes of a bullhook to keep him under control. Sanjay was a begging elephant during the day, and for the night, he would be decked with costumes and painted all over so he could be used at processions or ceremonies. His exhausted and arthritic-ridden limbs could give up any second. This beautiful elephant was also a victim of illegal trafficking, as his tusks had been cut off and sold for ivory trading. They were later recovered by the Wildlife SOS anti-poaching unit, ‘Forest Watch’, in a covert operation that led to Sanjay’s owner being put behind bars. Timely rescue by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and Wildlife SOS ensured that Sanjay was saved from elephant trafficking in 2017. 

When he first arrived at the Treatment Unit, our veterinarians found that Sanjay’s feet were in a poor state. He had overgrown and cracked toenails, and painfully swollen footpads. Adding to his miseries was a hairline fracture in one of his rear limbs. If not treated, fractures can lead to lameness in elephants and, in some cases, can even be fatal. Our team mobilised quickly to provide Sanjay with medical attention for his ailments. Veterinary treatment,  nutritious diet and Sanjay’s strong will were key to healing his wounds. Sanjay has come a long way and is now one of the healthiest elephants under our care!