Rescued circus elephants celebrate five years of freedom

Separated from their families as babies, isolated, neglected, and brutally trained to perform painful tricks, had been the life of these elephants until they were rescued by Wildlife SOS from circus in 2015.

Four rescued circus elephants were treated with a ‘jumbo cake’ to celebrate their five years of freedom. The elephants—Macadamia, Walnut, Coconut and Peanut have completed five years at Wildlife SOS’s Elephant Conservation & Care Centre in Mathura.

Separated from their families as babies, isolated, neglected, and brutally trained to perform painful tricks, had been the life of these elephants until they were rescued by Wildlife SOS from circus in 2015.

Young elephants are often known for their vivacious nature, but years of abuse had left them with long-lasting scars. Today, the ‘Nut Herd’—as they are lovingly called, has overcome their traumatic history and is living a safe and healthy life.

11-year-old Peanut is the youngest and most mischievous one. She shares a close bond with 17-year-old Coconut, who often takes on the role of a protective sister. They are practically inseparable and often enjoy going on walks and swims in the river.

27-year-old Macadamia and 23-year-old Walnut are healthy bull (male) elephants. They have their own enclosures with separate pools, which they often enjoy for dipping in. Their enclosures are equipped with structural and cognitive enrichments designed to keep them mentally and physically stimulated.

To celebrate their rescue anniversary, the veterinarians and elephant care-takers at Wildlife SOS prepared special ‘cakes’, made of cooked pulses and vegetables.

Dr Yaduraj Khadpekar, assistant director veterinary and research, Wildlife SOS, said, “Peanut and Coconut are very playful and, as is typical of adolescent elephants, possess a bit of a destructive streak. They enjoy playing vigorously. Whereas, Wally and Mac are currently in musth, thus making their behaviour slightly unpredictable, but treats are a great way of gaining their cooperation.”

Kartick Satyanarayan, CEO & co-founder of Wildlife SOS, said, “The Nut Herd was the largest, and the youngest, group of elephants rescued by Wildlife SOS in a go. We had to revamp our whole centre to accommodate four young, boisterous elephants who would need more space and resources as they grew up. Over the past five years, they have matured into delightful pachyderms with continued care, and it has been a wonderful experience to be part of their journey.”

Baiju Raj M.V, director conservation projects, Wildlife SOS, said, “It is a pleasure to see the difference that a few years of love can make in the lives of distressed elephants. Today is Endangered Species Day and I couldn’t think of a better way to honour it than by celebrating the rescue anniversary of these incredible elephants.”

Their story is representative of nearly 2,500 elephants in India who suffer deprived lives and captivity, giving tourists’ a ride, and performing at weddings, temples and on streets. With a population of 23,000 to 27,000 Asian elephants, India remains the last stronghold of the species. Thus, the survival of the entire species is critically linked with its survival in India.

In a conservation ‘win’ for the endangered Asian elephants, the species was recently added to appendix I of UN convention on migratory species at the conference hosted in Gandhinagar, India. This will merit heightened conservation and protection measures for the species.