Elephant rescue marred

Aundh locals pelted stones at team trying to shift jumbo

Saved finally: Aundh villagers bid adieu to ‘Gajraj’ which will be taken to Mathura elephant reserve.

After five decades as a temple elephant with the royal family of Aundh in Satara district, 70-year-old Gajraj was rescued on Wednesday by the State’s Forest Department and NGOs, even as emotional villagers pelted stones at the rescue team in an attempt to stop shifting him.

Gajraj is on his way to an elephant rehabilitation centre in Mathura.

The elephant was brought from the wild to the royal family of Aundh at the age of 12 as a gift to the queen at her wedding.

The rescue operation was led by NGO Wildlife SOS. “Our entire team was in danger as we were attacked by stones, but police presence helped us move the elephant and our team to safety,” said Wasim Akram, Wildlife SOS coordinator.

Partial blindness

Recent medical examination had revealed Gajraj has developed partial blindness and a toenail abscess that could spread to the bone. He also has abscesses in the hip and his foot pads suffered severe degeneration. “Being chained for most of his life has had a detrimental effect on Gajraj’s health. He has lost weight and has nutritional deficiencies,” said Dr. Yaduraj Khadpekar, senior veterinarian, Wildlife SOS.

“When PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) came to know about his deteriorating state in 2016, several recommendations were made to the custodians, which they did not follow,” said PETA’s Director of Veterinary Affairs, Dr. Manilal Valliyate.

The royal family of Aundh did not protest against the rescue. “I am confident that he is in safe hands,” said Gayatri Devi Pant Pratinidhi, queen of Aundh.