Exploited And Abused, Chanchal Died Entertaining Tourists
The striking images have lingered across media platforms: Photographed in Jaipur, it’s a disturbing picture of an elephant named Chanchal painted bright pink, with a model sitting on her back. The elephant spent her entire life being ridden and exploited, and in her final days, suffered the indignity of being painted head-to-toe
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In recent days, a striking image has lingered across media platforms: Shot in Jaipur, it’s a disturbing picture of an elephant named Chanchal painted entirely in pink, with a model sitting on her back. At first glance, it appears whimsical. Almost surreal but look a little closer and you see an animal the size of a giant standing petrified like a prop. Viewers, including animal rights activists, expressed anger and questioned how exploitation of these gentle beings continues in the name of tourism and spectacle.
Then came another blow: The elephant’s owner said that approximately 70-year-old Chanchal had unfortunately died in February 2026 “due to old age”. This statement itself raised another bunch of red flags. Was this just another mask to cover-up for elephants like Chanchal who were constantly carrying the weight of tourists on their backs, which was slowly but surely wearing down their bodies?
Placed side by side, the viral spectacle and the reporting of her death are difficult to separate. The photoshoot exposed the reality of elephants whose lives are shaped not by choice, but by constant abuse and mistreatment. For years, she remained part of the city’s tourism economy, walking long hours, carrying people on a saddle and existing within a system that rarely prioritised her wellbeing.
Elephant rides in cities like Jaipur are often framed as cultural experiences. The imagery is familiar and seemingly normal for most Indians and tourists alike: decorated elephants, heritage backdrops, and the promise of something “authentic”. However, none of that is natural for the elephant, no matter how historically accurate it may seem.
At the centre of dominating elephants is phajaan, a ruthless process of traumatising them to such an extent that their spirits are broken. Young elephants are separated from their mothers, restrained, confined, and subjected to repeated torment until resistance becomes pointless. They are not trained, they are broken. They don’t learn obedience, they learn that the only way to survive is a quiet, fearful acceptance of a life where pain follows defiance, every single time. The ones that don’t submit eventually die from the torture.
Elephants love mud and sand when they live in the wild and are free
Each friendship is unique and special. With some friends, you spend every moment talking, while some offer quiet comfort simply through their presence. There isn’t a strict definition to friendship, and that is what allows beautiful bonds to blossom.
Interestingly, animals too form meaningful connections. At Wildlife SOS centres, our caregivers have witnessed these remarkable friendships develop among the rescued animals who have overcome challenging pasts.
2 Flapshell turtles are close friends
From inseparable companions to lifelong sibling-hoods, here are some of the friendships that make Wildlife SOS centres feel more like home.
Those Who Refuse To Drift Apart
At the Elephant Hospital Campus (EHC), Lakshmi and Pari share a bond that has become one of the most cherished friendships. Their closeness brings a smile to every observer’s face. Both elephants arrived at the centre in 2021 after facing years of neglect and hardship. Lakshmi was called the “skinniest elephant of India”, and Pari had suffered from painful foot ailments. The two developed an unexpected friendship while on their journey of healing, finding immense comfort in each other’s presence.
Their companionship began during their daily walks, when they would often meet and spend time together. Even when one or both their walks were suspended for health reasons, their bond remained strong. This connection became even more evident during their supervised visits arranged by their caregivers, when the two would greet each other with enthusiastic trumpets, soft rumbles and even subtle ground vibrations that elephants can detect through their feet. Seeing how they enjoyed each other’s company, caregivers would often allow them to spend additional time together.
Both having been rescued as cubs, Kamli and Suri have developed a close companionship over the years. Caregivers at the Agra Bear Rescue Facility (ABRF) often describe them as a “perfect pair”, and there’s good reason for that. Though the two spend a lot of time together, it’s Kamli’s nature to pay close attention to Suri, making sure he is never out of her sight. If Suri is out there interacting with another bear, or begins exploring a different area, Kamli is only a short distance behind. She always seems to know where her partner is and what he is up to.
Their relationship has become familiar to caregivers, who can only separate the two during mealtime as both bears prefer to relish their own share all by themselves. Having been pulled apart from their families at an early age, both have found a sense of support in each other, forming a bond that continues to flourish today.
The Group That Everyone Wants To Join
At Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC), Maya, Phoolkali, and Emma’s herd perfectly captures the spirit of friendship. Maya and Phoolkali shared a strong bond long before Emma arrived. Initially, Maya, was hesitant to let anyone come close to her companion, but Phoolkali’s wise and welcoming nature helped bridge the gap, and over time, Emma became an inseparable part of the group. Phoolkali has also displayed remarkable wisdom. Recognising that Maya had grown into a capable leader, she gradually stepped back from her role as matriarch, allowing Maya to confidently take charge of the mini herd.
This story of friendship has more to tell. There was another elephant eyeing to enter this group, and this was Tara. Tara often seemed fascinated to see the three during their daily walks. Caregivers frequently observed her showing interest in joining the trio, hoping to be welcomed into an already established sisterhood. Eventually, Tara did become a loving member of the herd, and she joins them in their daily activities. Tara’s energetic and playful personality often encourages Emma to engage more during their walks. Although Emma has a quieter nature, the pair have formed a close bond that is reflected in their gentle interactions, often observed by their caregivers.
Another form of friendship thrives through simple gestures and just by being there in quietude. Holly and Kalpana share that while being in the same enclosure.
Holly, one of the EHC’s eldest residents, requires specialised care for her foot-related health concerns and is unable to take long, daily walks. Whenever Kalpana heads out for walks, Holly patiently waits for her return. Remarkably, Holly often seems to know that Kalpana is on her way back long before she comes into view. Caregivers frequently observe the pair exchanging loud trumpets when they reunite, almost as if catching up on everything that happened while they were apart, even if it has only been a couple of hours.
Kalpana has also been a great source of support for Holly during her medical checkups, often standing by her side like a pillar of strength. When Holly prefers to sleep in the pool due to her leg pain, Kalpana is quick to stand by the poolside to guard her. Their companionship demonstrates that some friendships are defined not by grand adventures, but by simply being there for each other during difficult times.
Partners In Play
Meanwhile, at the Bannerughatta Bear Rescue Centre (BBRC), Swati and Gubbi showcase a different kind of friendship. Both the bears were rescued from human-wildlife conflict and were introduced to each other due to their amiable personalities. The pair has become inseparable since then. Their day is spent together, exploring enrichments made in the form of wooden structures and enjoying peanut butter-based treats. One of the most endearing examples of their companionship is a cave that they created together, transforming a simple space into a shared retreat.
At the Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Centre (MLRC), we are witnessing young leopards forming exceptional bonds that have grown over the years. Although leopards are naturally solitary, the sibling groups at the centre have formed close relationships and are rarely seen apart.
Born at the centre, Disha and Khushboo are sisters who have shared their lives from the very beginning. Raised alongside their mother, Brinda, the two continue to coexist playfully and peacefully, spending most of their time with each other.
Aditi and Shivshree share a different story. The two orphaned cubs were rescued from the same location and arrived at MLRC just days apart from each other. They were barely eight months of age and needed expert care. The two found comfort and confidence in one another’s company. Growing up together has allowed the two to freely explore their enriched habitat. They climb on platforms, navigate trees, and engage in long and wonderful interactions while they are together.
And then, there are Disney and Flash, siblings born to rescued and pregnant leopard Greta at the centre. Though Flash occasionally displays a more assertive and frisky personality in comparison to Disney, particularly around feeding time, the young two-year-old siblings remain closely bonded. Together, they spend their days playfully, growing into healthy young leopards.
An emaciated female elephant, that dragged herself through the day, with the overbearing weight of a carrier, will no longer suffer after being rescued by Wildlife SOS. Her frail structure held testimony to the life that she lived as a begging elephant moving from pillar-to-post.
Saved by Wildlife SOS just in time. Mentally and physically broken. A blanket to keep her warm
Wildlife SOS named her “Zara” which means princess – something that she rightly would have been, in her herd in the wild, but the evil clutches of illegal wildlife poaching snatched that joy from her and pushed her into a lifetime of captivity.
On the way to a better life. Thank you Wildlife SOS I have been following you for 20 years and I am so proud of you !!
Due to Zara’s rapidly deteriorating health, primarily affecting her joints, her owner was unable to meet her urgent medical needs. The nationwide lockdown that was imposed because of the COVID-19pandemic, was the primary cause for Zara’s owner not being able to begin her medical treatment. As soon as relaxations were levied, he was determined that his elephant would live a better life under the care of Wildlife SOS at the Elephant Hospital situated in Mathura. The Elephant Hospital opened its gates for Zara’s arrival and to provide her with the necessary medical treatment that would give her the relief she rightfully deserves.
When Zara arrived at the Elephant Hospital, the fresh air and the unfamiliar whiff of her lush green surroundings made her cautious, as well as anxious.
At just the tender age of 21, Zara has developed a serious case of osteoarthritis that has seriously affected her forelimbs and compromised her posture and gait. Her right forelimb, in particular, is damaged, along with an inflamed elbow joint that is the main reason of the slight limp that she has as she walks.
It is heartbreaking to imagine that with such a seriously compromised leg, that she was able to survive all these years of abuse. It is clear that Zara has an unfathomable amount of strength and willpower. Zara also has a wound on her left elbow and shoulder, which will be regularly cleaned and dressed with antiseptic ointment for quick recovery.
Her joints, however, are of serious concern and the Wildlife SOS veterinarians will be conducting X-Rays, as well as a complete blood report to assess the exact condition and seriousness of her limbs. Zara will be administered joint supplements and anti-inflammatory ointment for relief.
Zara’s right fore limb is the primary cause of concern for the veterinarians. Zara presently weighs 1970kgs, which is visible in the distinct, protruding shape of her spine that is due to her malnourishment. To everyone’s relief, her vision is proper and she is slightly anxious about her new surroundings, which is why the elephant care staff and veterinarians are giving her the time that she needs.
Her first ever shower!! What a joy,
Even in her pain and discomfort, Zara appears to have a zeal for life as she was quick to take a liking to her bucket of watermelons and splash her trunk around! Her enclosure is equipped with mud beds for her support, to take the weight off of her legs, and for her to rest. Although Zara just wishes to look around her enclosure and watch her neighbors, the resident pachyderms instead.
While Zara has been on a tiring journey, emerging from her past life and taking small steps into her new home, Wildlife SOS requests everyone to keep her in your prayers while their team of veterinarians, elephant care staff, and hospital staff work to make her comfortable.
She will no longer be paraded around on hot tarmac roads, or have just a few stalks of dry grass and bananas while tethered to a confined, concrete space, pushing to break free.
As this fragile and battered creature finds comfort in her new home, Wildlife SOS requests that you show her your support and love by making a donation HERE!
Elephant Manu also rescued from begging in the streets ( video )
Now about 65 years old, Ginger was a ‘begging’ elephant for six decades. Her frail body shows signs of a brutal past life. But she only knows kindness and care now, and Surender has dedicated his life to Ginger’s wellbeing. Photo by Sanjeev Marskole.
Rhesus macaques are amazingly adaptable primates. This adaptability is both a blessing and a curse … they thrive in urban environments, and this success often puts them in direct conflict with their human relatives. This little infant was rescued when her mother died giving birth in the wild. The baby found comfort and care in the arms of Wildlife SOS caregivers.
Because macaques share significant genetic and psychological similarities with humans, they are often trafficked for medical research. Once she grows healthy and strong enough, she will join a wild troop of other macaques. Photo by Chinmoy Swargiary.
Vultures are a conservation success story in South Asia. The birds were almost wiped out in the late 1990s, losing nearly 99% of the population due to Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which was used to treat cattle. As nature’s cleaners of animal carcases, their absence caused a huge spike in cases of rabies.
Is it a lost housecat? No, actually it’s the illusive jungle cat! Despite their name, jungle cats are rarely found in rainforests or "jungles." They much prefer wetlands, reed beds, and swamps. This preference is so strong that they are sometimes called "swamp cats" or "reed cats." They thrive in the tall grass and thick vegetation surrounding bodies of water.
Small, economical drone cameras have revolutionized our ability to observe wildlife. This photo of gharials on the banks of a river is a unique perspective made possible by the stealthy aircraft. Remember, never harass wildlife and always give them plenty of space as to not disturb their natural behaviour. Photo by Atharva Pacharne.
What do you think Maya, Phoolkali, Emma and Tara are talking about? Are they gossiping about Laxmi’s weight loss? Planning a tea party? Discussing a heist of ALL the bananas? Hit reply and let us know! Photo by Mradul Pathak.
This Asian palm civet pup was treated and released back into the wild to get more training from mum. Like most carnivores, pups rely entirely on their mothers to learn how to hunt and survive in the wild, then they lead solitary lives as adults. Civets are fascinating animals that occupy a unique middle ground in the ecosystem. Often called “cats”, they’re not felines at all, but of the family Viverridae. Photo by Mradul Pathak.
For people, one of the great joys in life is a sunset walk on the beach with friends. The same holds true for elephants! This is Kalpana, Arya and Zara. Kalpana’s best friend and companion is Holly, who is getting too old and frail to go on long walks. After an evening stroll, Kalpana rushes back to check on her best friend, who she lovingly watches over. Photo by Ashray Thakur.
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Photo by Mradul Pathak.
