Raju, the crying elephant, who was rescued earlier this year by Wildlife SOS after 50 long years of ‘captivity, slavery and abuse’, has now inspired Hollywood to make a full length feature film on his life, dramatic rescue and rehabilitation.
Raju’s rescue was made possible by a large team in India led by the founders of Wildlife SOS, a non-government organisation working for rehabilitation and welfare of animals, and with support from volunteers and staff from Wildlife SOS UK and USA.
As the complicated all-night rescue operation of Raju was carried out in Allahabad, the Wildlife SOS teams in India kept their counterparts in the U.K. and the U.S. updated of developments.
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Now, Wildlife SOS India co-founders Geeta and Kartick have been approached by US-based movie producers Vijay Amritraj and Larry Brezner to make a film on the battle they fought to make Raju’s freedom a reality.
Raju is currently recuperating at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Center, Mathura, while the Wildlife SOS teams are fighting a legal battle to ensure his long-term care.
Geeta Seshamani speaking about the case said: “I am delighted to learn that our efforts to rescue Raju if made into a film will be a game changer for the future of elephants in India.”
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Overwhelmed at the love and support Raju received from across the world, Pooja Binepal, Wildlife SOS volunteer based in the U.K., added: “The film about Raju and his rescue will go a long way in raising awareness on cruelty towards animals and wildlife conservation.”
According to a release issued by Wildlife SOS, the California-based movie production company owner and Indian tennis champion Vijay Amritraj has noted: “We love the story of Raju and can’t wait to start making this movie. It will focus on how the founders of Wildlife SOS Geeta and Kartick rescued Raju and the challenges they faced in doing that. It will also highlight how Wildlife SOS supporters, volunteers and staff from all over the world played a role to drum up support for Raju.”
Production house partner Larry Brezner added: “Raju’s rescue is such an inspiring story. It will certainly receive international attention. Our aim is to partner with the founders of Wildlife SOS and ensure the true story and hardships faced by Wildlife SOS when they rescued Raju and the legal battle that ensued is brought to light.”
There is currently a bitter legal battle going on as Raju’s former custodian, who used to force him to beg from tourists, has launched a bid to reclaim him.
Uttar Pradesh chief wildlife warden Dr. Rupak De said: “Necessary action has been initiated and the law will take its course. Raju is in safe hands with Wildlife SOS and the forest department will make sure that justice prevails.”