Zara
Year of arrival: 2020
Age at the time of arrival: Around 21 years old
Sex: Female
Recognisable features: A hole in her right ear
Health condition when rescued: Emaciated, compromised gait due to ankylosed right elbow joint, osteoarthritis, scars and wounds all over body; psychological distress
Facility: Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC)
Favourite food: Watermelons
Closest to: Arya
Favourite activities: Splashing the water from her water trough!
Background: From a very young age, Zara was subjected to abuse and neglect as a ‘begging’ elephant. When Wildlife SOS decided to bring her to the Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital Campus, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown massively delayed her arrival. As soon as relaxations were levied, Zara’s journey towards the facility resumed, where medical care and attention awaited her. | READ MORE ABOUT ZARA
zara'S STORY
Zara was found suffering from multiple health issues. Due to the exhausting routine of walking on harsh roads to beg, the condition of her limbs deteriorated immensely. She would be tethered in a concrete, confined space with no freedom to move, thus putting more strain on her limbs. Such oppression led to her developing a serious case of osteoarthritis that has compromised her gait, affecting her forelimbs and her elbow joint. At Wildlife SOS’s Elephant Hospital Campus, Zara was given immediate medical attention with treatments for her affected joints and chronic wounds.
The calm elephant continues to remain extremely cooperative during her target training sessions that enable our veterinary team to conduct careful examinations. As part of her overall welfare, a diet chart has also been prepared for her. Unlike the neglect she faced in her past, Zara is now surrounded by dedicated and affectionate caregivers.