Photos: After 50 years in chains, 70-year-old 'Gajraj' finds new home in Mathura

Gajraj having his first free dust bath All PicsWildlife SosThe NGO Wildlife SOS has rescued 70yearold Gajraj an elephant from Aundh in Satara last week amidst heavy police protection with cooperation from Forest Department The pachyderm has now arrived safely at his new home Wildlife SOS Elephant Care and Conservation Center ECCC in Mathura After almost 51 years as a temple elephant the magnificent tusker now is finally walking into a life of freedom and retirementThree days ago Gajrajs rescue operation took a dramatic turn after Wildlife SOS mission came dangerously close to being aborted due to violent reactions from locals who pelted stones and attacked the rescue teamsBut alls well that ends wellAccompanied by Wildlife SOS expert veterinarians paramedics elephant caretakers and rescue team in the Elephant Ambulance currently Indias only specially designed elephant ambulance GAJRAJ arrived at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation amp Care Center late afternoon on SaturdayGajraj reaches Mathuras rehabilitation centreAs the ambulance arrived at the center the majestic tusker first gingerly tested the ground with his trunk before gently placing his foot out of the vehicle after which he walked with no chains for the first time as he walked accompanied by elephant keepers and veterinarians to his new home a nice large enclosure where he will live out his daysTalking about Gajrajs experience at the centreKartick Satyanarayan cofounder Wildlife SOS said Within a few short minutes of stepping into the centre we could see a marked change in the behaviour of the elephant He immediately took to the new surroundings gorging on fruits and taking dust bathsAngry locals watch as Gajraj is boarded onto the special ambulanceTalking about the pachyderms long journey Wasim Akram Wildlife SOS Manager Special Projects said We ensured that Gajraj remained comfortable and hydrated throughout the long journey making sure he got enough green fodder refreshing baths and made multiple pit stops for him to restThe controversial elephant belonged to the Queen of Aundh and was used in temple processions for over 51 years With advancing age the 70yearold Gajraj was found to be suffering from several medical issues like foot abscess and partial blindness The magnificent elephant will now be transferred to the lifetime care of Wildlife SOS at their Elephant Care and Conservation Center ECCC in Mathura ndash the firstever center of its kindFor over five decades the Gajraj performed his duties as a temple elephant at Yami Devi temple where local devotees saw him as an icon of worship as he played an important role in festivities and temple processions His long journey as a temple elephant came to an abrupt end when as he finally retired last week and moved in the Wildlife SOS Elephant Ambulance from Satara to MathuraGajraj rests at his new home in MathuraIt should be noted that a PETA campaign first directed media attention to the plight of GajrajAfter an examination it was found that Gajraj required medical attention for his toenail abscess which could spread to the bone in addition to the hip abscesses while his foot pads suffered severe degeneration This made him a candidate for geriatric life time care at Wildlife SOS Elephant CenterThe royal family of Aundh gave him a warm farewell The local villagers however became very emotional and hostile as Gajraj was getting ready to leave as they gathered in large numbers and it took an ugly tuirn when the mob became unrulyAccording to the people who were present at the location with each minute the tension increased and the Wildlife SOS team came under attack with the mob pelting stones at them A large police force was deployed to ensure protection for the Wildlife SOS rescue team who were there on the request of the Maharashtra Forest DepartmentEventually the elephant was placed inside the special ambulance that had travelled over 1500 kms from Mathura to SataraKartick Satyanarayan cofounder Wildlife SOS said We are grateful to the Forest Department and the police for extending their support to help this elephant The advancing age of this elephant means he needs a lot of medical care more than anything else We shall give him the best of care We appreciate that the Queen of Aundh has handed over the elephant trusting Wildlife SOSGeeta Seshamani cofounder Wildlife SOS said The Wildlife SOS elephant conservation and care center provides a safe sanctuary to elephants requiring longterm medical care and rehabilitation Gajraj can now live a retired life for the rest of his life however long his geriatric body can support himDr Yaduraj Khadpekar senior veterinarian said Being chained for most of each day has had a detrimental effect on Gajrajs health He is very thin with opacity in his right eye as well as nutritional deficiencies He also has a serious toenail abscess in his right front foot and left hind foot as well as severe wear and tear of his foot pads which makes him prone to lameness and foot injuries due to soft tissue exposureHer Highness Gayatri Devi Pant Pratinidhi The Queen of Aundh said I am happy that the elephant is going to the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation Center I am confident that he is in safe handsDeputy Conservator of Forests Anil Ajankar said It took several days to convince the irate public to not prevent shifting of the elephant Im relieved this has ended well and the elephant is safeWasim Akram Wildlife SOS coordinator said Our entire team was in a lot of danger as we were attacked by stones but police presence helped us move the elephant and our team to safety