Sanjay

SANJAY'S RESCUE STORY

Sanjay would spend his day walking  on roads in traffic, confused with blaring horns with a bullhook poking him throughout to keep him in control. During the day he would be used as a money-minting machine, the nights brought in a worse nightmare of being adorned in paints and costumes to be used for processions and ceremonies. His exhausted and arthritic-ridden limbs were ready to give up any second before he was rescued by Wildlife SOS. This beautiful tusker was also a victim of illegal trafficking as his tusks were cut off and sold for ivory trading, but were later recovered by Wildlife SOS Anti-Poaching Unit in a covert operation that led to his owner being out behind bars. 

When he first arrived, our veterinarians found that Sanjay’s feet were in a poor state. He had overgrown and cracked toenails, and painfully swollen foot pads. Adding to his miseries was a hairline fracture in one of his rear limbs. If not treated in a timely manner, fractures can lead to lameness in elephants and, in some cases, can even be fatal. Our team mobilized quickly to provide Sanjay with medical attention for his ailments. Veterinary treatment, combined with a complementary nutritious diet and Sanjay’s strong will, healed his wounds gradually. Sanjay has come a long way and is now one of the healthiest elephants under our care!