After suffering for almost four decades, Rosie, an elephant who was used for begging and had been illegally moved across borders, gained her freedom. She was seized by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department in Bhadohi.
The 39-year-old Rosie’s physical condition was pathetic as she was made to walk endlessly for wedding processions and begging with heavy and painful spiked chains around her front and back legs.
The Uttar Pradesh Forest Department took prompt action when Wildlife SOS informed them about Rosie and seized her immediately. Her departure to the Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital in Mathura, run by the NGO in collaboration with the State Forest Department, was delayed due to a case filed by her previous owners who had kept her illegally.
Following the court orders that granted Rosie’s rehabilitation she was moved to the hospital in Mathura from Bhadohi in a specialised elephant ambulance — with all the necessary medical equipment – accompanied by a team of veterinarians and elephant care staff. The team was assisted by the UP Forest Department officials.
During a thorough medical examination it came to light that Rosie’s footpads had worn out and that her toenails had cracked due to walking on harsh tarmac roads and other unsuitable surfaces. She had several painful abscesses and injuries on her body.
Having finally got her freedom she will now receive specialised medical procedures like laser therapy, digital wireless radiology and thermal imaging at the Mathura facility.
Talking about Rosie, Baiju Raj M.V, Director, Conservation Projects, Wildlife SOS said: “We are grateful for the intervention by Uttar Pradesh Forest Department to save this elephant from distress. The life of a begging elephant is riddled with pain and they suffer severe mental stress that takes years to heal. Now that Rosie has arrived safely at the Elephant Hospital, we can ensure that she gets the medical treatment and care she deserves.”
Bhadohi’s Divisional Forest Officer, Neeraj Kumar Arya remarked: “Rosie was suffering from various health issues. Due to her deteriorating health, it was decided that the elephant be urgently transferred to the Elephant Hospital.”
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