Ending The Brutal Centuries-Old Practice Of ‘Begging’ Elephants' ( Video )

 

Please click on video to enlarge

Veer, a severely injured bull elephant, is being used for “begging” despite a crippling leg injury. Video evidence shows him forced to work in chains, enduring visible pain with every step. His condition is critical, and the need to bring him to safety has never been more urgent. A Wildlife SOS rescue operation is underway!

A begging elephant

The ambulance is ready. We’re ready. And we’re going to bring Veer home.

When Wildlife SOS first began the campaign to bring an end to ‘dancing’ bears, most people said it couldn’t be done. In the late 1990s, we embarked on a nationwide effort to save all sloth bears that languished at the end of the rope. By 2009, headlines read “There are no more ‘dancing’ bears in India!” It took a decade of focus to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges, but Wildlife SOS was able to achieve what seemed impossible to most … every last dancing bear in India was rescued and brought to sanctuary.

Elephant Veer finally free and on her way to a better life

Since then, Wildlife SOS has become the leading advocate for captive elephants by building India’s first:

• Humane Elephant Rescue Centers with compassionate care and management techniques.
• India’s first Elephant Hospital using modern equipment and medical practices.
• A specially designed ambulance to rescue elephants in distress.
• Programs to handle elephants through positive conditioning using a protected contact wall.

“Wildlife SOS has been saving elephants for more than a decade, and we have seen firsthand what begging elephants are forced to endure. We have rescued many, but tragically, some elephants have succumbed to their untreated injuries before help could reach them. These situations have been immensely heartbreaking, yet driving us to action.

We knew we couldn’t stand by and wait for another tragedy, now is the time to lead an organised effort to end the cruel practice of begging elephants once and for all.” – Kartick Satyanarayan, CEO and Co-Founder, Wildlife SOS

Dear readers of my blog: I wish you nice Christmas days with all your loved ones and a healthy 2026 ( video with many christmas songs and how is elephant Zara enjoying het free life?)

 More carols:

https://youtu.be/xdJxjYMpGug?si=Y42OBSln7DQktIhN

The story of Zara is one that I will never forget She is one of the 300 begging elephants still active on the streets of India.  Zara was saved by WildlifeSOS and although in pain due to her previous life, she is happy and loves eating her watermelons.

The story of 'begging elephant' Zara rescued by Wildlife SOS India in 7 photos: From a Hel to heaven 

Begging for money in chains

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 WildlifeSOS 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 good 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-19 pandemic, 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!