Trunk Tales: Raju Represents Hope

On the night of the 4th of July, 2014, when fireworks illuminated the sky to celebrate freedom in the United States, a different kind of independence was unfolding here in India. A skeletal pachyderm named Raju, who had known nothing but pain and neglect for all 50 years of his life, was finally breaking away from the shackles of captivity. Traded by owners multiple times, this magnificent being, who had been robbed of dignity and love as a ‘begging’ elephant, was now stepping into a domain of relief and newfound hope. That night, Raju, as though realising that he was now on the path of humane care, shed tears and became a symbol of resilience. The ‘crying elephant’ still had the courage to believe and embrace kindness that human beings are capable of giving.

Raju during his rescue — [Pre-Rescue Photo © Wildlife SOS ]

The bond between an elephant calf and its mother is sacred, a connection so profound that it rivals, if not surpasses, the depth of human relationships. Female elephants nurture, protect, and guide their young, and their herds are strongly bound by love. But for Raju, this nurturing thread was ripped apart before he could understand what survival in the wild meant. From the moment he was torn apart from his mother, his life became a relentless journey of loss and suffering. The warmth of his mother’s trunk was replaced by the sting of bullhooks; the gentle rumbles of his herd were drowned by the cruel commands of captors. He was passed from owner to owner 27 times, each of whom treated him not as a sentient being, but as a mere commodity to be exploited.

Raju before he was rescued — [Pre-Rescue Photo © Wildlife SOS ]

Raju’s cries for mercy were ignored as he endured phajaan — the brutal process of breaking an elephant’s spirit. His tail hair had been pulled out to sell them as lucky charms, leading to severe tail injuries. Spiked chains tore into the flesh of his feet causing multiple abscesses. While these physical wounds festered, the mental scars of trauma he faced remained unseen.

Wildlife SOS, with the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department, fought relentlessly to free him, but his former captor tightened the very chains that had bound him for decades. Finally, in this legal battle, compassion triumphed. Raju’s story of suffering shook the world, and was covered by international media giants like BBC, National Geographic, and The Guardian, exposing the grim reality of captive Asian elephants. Today, Raju stands as a symbol of resilience, proof that kindness can overpower cruelty.

Raju at Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital Campus — [Photo © Wildlife SOS/ Mradul Pathak]

When Raju arrived at the Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC), his movements were slow and uncertain, as though he feared this change as yet another exchange of hands. But day by day, trust replaced this fear. His emaciated frame, once starved of nourishment, was now regaining strength with bountiful offerings of sugarcanes, muskmelons, pumpkins, and papayas — food and flavours he had been deprived of. Today, the mighty elephant has made sure to let his caregivers know that of all of the wonderful fruits he gets, bananas are what he loves the most!

Raju during his checkups in Elephant Hospital Campus — [Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/Mradul Pathak]

Raju has undergone a remarkable transformation, both with his physical health and emotional well-being. Thanks to the dedicated geriatric care provided by our veterinarians, Raju’s welfare is monitored closely. Medication continues to be regularly provided to strengthen his joints, while multivitamin supplements fulfill his essential requirements. The majestic pachyderm is given routine antiseptic pedicures as well, which he calmly enjoys with the aid of positive reinforcement.

Vets at Elephant Hospital Campus doing precise checkup for Raju — [Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/Mradul Pathak]

Raju can often be seen splashing around in his enclosure pool with delight. Time in the water also serves as a soothing treatment for his limbs, alleviating pressure on his joints. Caregivers have also mindfully created sand beds inside Raju’s enclosure as resting surfaces Raju can use to sit and stand.

Raju in his enclosure pool — [Photo © Wildlife SOS/ Mradul Pathak]

Once a frail and malnourished elephant struggling to survive, Raju now thrives on a well-balanced diet. His daily meals include green fodder like sugarcane and berseem, fresh and seasonal fruits like watermelons and papayas, and a wholesome meal comprising brown rice, millets and rock salt that is specially prepared for him. During winters, additional warming ingredients like ghee (clarified butter), jaggery, and a mixture of masalas (spices) are added to this to keep him comfortable. His carefully charted diet plan ensures he retains a well-functioning digestive system.

Caregivers treating Raju during his bath at Elephant Hospital Campus — [Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/Mradul Pathak]

Interestingly, Raju has an unconventional way of using sugarcane stalks — he picks one of the lot as his back-scratcher! Raju cleverly lifts the stalk with his trunk to rub against his back or belly, an act that immensely gladdens him, and also promotes blood circulation in his body when he does so.

Raju rubbing his back with the stick — [Photo © Wildlife SOS/ Mradul Pathak]

Raju’s daily routine is enriched with engaging activities that stimulate his natural instincts. The elephant care team has created a stimulating environment featuring cage feeders, haynets, and steel ball enrichments, all of which are filled with his favourite fodder. The gentle giant reaches for these delightfully with his trunk, and while doing so, exercises this sensitive organ along with his mind.

Raju during his walk at Elephant Hospital Campus — [Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/Mradul Pathak]

A testament to his overall health is also evident in the consistency of his musth cycles, a natural and essential phase in the life of a bull elephant. Characterised by heavy temporal gland secretion and heightened testosterone levels, musth often leads to erratic behaviour and loss of appetite in male elephants. However, Raju remains an exception, displaying remarkable composure and maintaining a steady appetite during this period.

Raju cooling himself with dirt in Elephant Hospital Campus — [Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/Mradul Pathak]

Raju’s rescue was a turning point in the fight against elephant exploitation, exposing the harsh realities of captivity. His story ignited global awareness, having a ripple effect on banning elephants as performers in circuses of India, and halting the use of elephants in wedding ceremonies and processions in Delhi. Many, however, are still unaware of how elephants are maltreated within the tourism industry as well. Just like Raju, who was forced to walk on harsh tarmac roads, these elephants are also coerced to carry unnatural weight on their backs, undergoing physical and mental stress while doing so. This led Wildlife SOS to initiate the ‘Refuse to Ride’ campaign to raise awareness and sensitivity towards elephants. Raju’s rescue surely sparked the change to ensure freedom for many more suffering elephants.

Raju's 10th Rescueversary — [Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/Mradul Pathak]

Raju’s freedom brought the conditions of captive elephants to the forefront. But for 300 elephants still walking the streets of India in chains, time is running out. Wildlife SOS is now taking a bold step forward with a campaign to help every begging elephant in India by 2030. Like Raju, these elephants have endured lifetimes of abuse, malnourishment, and neglect. Many are blind, severely injured, and alone, forced by their captors to beg for survival. But together, we can change their fate.

You can be their voice. Here’s how:

Sign the petition to demand an end to elephant begging in India.
Report a begging elephant by calling or texting the Wildlife SOS helpline at +91 9971699727.

Raju’s rescue showed the world that no chain is unbreakable. Now, it’s time to break them all. With your support, we can ensure that no elephant suffers like Raju did.

Feature image: Wildlife SOS/ Mradul Pathak

Trunk Tales: Raju Represents Hope

You can be their voice. Here’s how:

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