This half-blind elephant has finally been rescued after he spent 50 years being locked up and illegally forced to take part in wedding ceremonies.
Concerned animal lovers apparently spotted the ailing three-and-half tonne jumbo, named Sanjay, tied up with spiked chains by his cruel captors.
Within hours of moving into his new home, Sanjay appeared much more relaxed and carefree, throwing dirt around with his trunk
The 50-year-old animal had likely spent his entire life being coerced into performing at weddings and has his tusks chopped off
Concerned animal lovers spotted ailing three-and-half tonne Sanjay tied up with spiked chains by his cruel captors
The tortured animal, whose new named means ‘victorious’ or ‘triumphant’ was blind in his left eye and was ‘severely malnourished’, with wounds covering his legs, foot pads and tail.
‘He can’t seem to get enough of the fresh fruits and green fodder being served to him’ reported his care-taker, Sonu said.
‘It is critically important to conserve and protect Asian elephants.
‘This elephant appears to have been poached from the wild as a young calf as there are no documents to confirm its legal procurement.’
Sanjay is now recovering well after he was taken to the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation & Care Center
Vets found that Sanjay was blind in his left eye and was ‘severely malnourished’, with wounds covering his legs, foot pads and tail
It is thought Sanjay was used for illegal and commercial events such as wedding processions
It is thought the elephant was used for illegal and commercial events such as wedding processions.
When he came to the rescue centre, vets discovered his feet were in a terrible condition with overgrown toenails and inflammation.
Dr Yaduraj Khadpekar, a vet at the centre, said: ‘The elephant is having severe health problems and requires long term medical care.
‘It will take the elephant a long to recover from his wounds and trauma.’