Taj
Year of arrival: 2023
Age at the time of arrival: Approximately 18 years
Sex: Male
Recognisable features: He has a single tusk and a subtle crease in one ear
Health condition when rescued: Several toenail abscesses, torn foot pad, arthritis
Facility: Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC)
Favourite food: Sugarcane, bananas, and watermelons
Favourite activities: He enjoys throwing mud on himself
Background: Used as a ‘begging’ elephant, Taj was found to be severely emaciated with swollen limbs, torn foot pads, and severe joint disorders. Bound to a life of walking on tarmac roads, the young bull elephant’s health and requirements remained neglected, making him dependent on the occasional kindness of a few passersby for his sustenance. | READ MORE ABOUT TAJ
TAJ’S STORY
Taj was forced to walk through bustling streets for countless hours to beg for alms. He arrived at the Elephant Hospital Campus with several ailments that included swollen limbs, torn foot pads, arthritis and a degenerative joint that required urgent medical attention. The veterinarians employed therapeutic measures such as laser therapy, hydrotherapy, foot baths, and antibiotics to help him heal.
Taj was always deprived of nourishment, which led to him having an abnormally low appetite. This led our team to devise a suitable diet chart for Taj to gain strength, with the addition of probiotics to improve his gut health. He now rushes to his caregivers as they bring in fresh watermelons, sugarcane and bananas for him. Taj has shown remarkable improvement ever since he has been under our long-term care, reinstating how compassion and gentle gestures can help majestic pachyderms overcome their traumatic past.