Tara
Year of arrival: 2023
Age at the time of arrival: Approximately 25 years
Sex: Female
Recognisable features: Short and plump stature, visible pigmentation around her neck resembling a necklace
Health condition when rescued: Colic issues, low appetite, skin lesions, dermatitis, arthritis
Facility: Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC)
Favourite food: Sugarcane and watermelons
Favourite activities: Extracting fodder from the cage feeder
Background: Tara was compelled to walk as a ‘begging’ elephant for countless hours that led to her malnourished condition. She was often seen begging in the same vicinity as Taj.| READ MORE ABOUT TARA
TARA’S STORY
Tara finally found refuge at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital Campus after spending 25 years of her life begging. Amidst chaos and under relentless heat, she was forced to walk on tarmac roads. Initially, Tara was brought to the hospital for temporary treatment, but her physical condition demanded long-term care. Through advocacy and dialogue, we successfully persuaded the owner to relinquish the elephant so that she continued to get the medical attention she needed and that her health was sustained.
Tara’s health issues included colic issues and dermatitis, and multifaceted action plans such as intravenous and intramuscular medicines, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory treatments were carried out to address her pain and loss of appetite. Herbal remedies and carefully curated diet of fresh and juicy fruits have helped as well, and the calm and composed elephant now looks forward to them.