Raju is the name of the elephant in India that was just freed after 50 years in chains. Did you read the story about him? Click on his name and that will take you to the Wildlife SOS India site which is the organization that freed this animal. It is well worth reading. (It's hard to see him in chains but remember, you will see him freed in the end!) Don't know about anyone else, but I am so grateful for the rescue! It seems that the elephant is finding it hard to trust humans, and who could blame him? I hope that with lots of tender, loving care the animal will recover and thrive.
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| from Wikipedia |
Raju is in India and so, of course, he is an Asian elephant. The Asian elephant has smaller ears and a smaller trunk than the African elephant, besides having a different shaped head.
Once, years ago, when I was at Zoo Atlanta with my son, we were at a nature talk at the elephant exhibit and we were asked if any of us wanted to walk over and touch the side of the elephant. You know that I did! The skin felt so wonderfully alive! I thought of my close encounter when I read of Raju's rescue from 50 years of being in chains!
FREEDOM AND LIFE! It is something to celebrate at all times!
I hope Raju will have a good number of years ahead to enjoy his new freedom. I don't know the lifespan of an elephant. I was surprised to read he'd made it to 50. And, no, I did not read the story although I saw it come across on my Facebook feed. I just couldn't bring myself to do so - far too sad and I just knew it would make me angry. Funny, when I first looked at your image I thought it was depicting Raju after his release (on the left) and before (on the right).
ReplyDeleteI did read this. I was very glad that Raju was rescued and very very sad for his years of misery and for all the elephants and other animals that are mistreated by human beings....And so glad that there are people who are trying to save them...
ReplyDeleteYes, I ran across this story, and I was so pleased that he is finally free. At the same time, I was horrified at the life he'd led until now. My gosh, how awful. How can people be so cruel? I hope that Raju lives his remaining days with joy in his heart. Elephants have a long memory, but I hope he learns to trust that there are kind humans in this world.
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love elephants. Magnificent creatures they are, and that one had to suffer that way for so long breaks my heart. Too many of the human race have much to answer to and for. There are too many amongst us who are cruel beings; and they are ignorant beings, too, because they never seem to learn from their errors and misdeeds.
ReplyDeleteHow can we blame Raju for not trusting humans...the poor, beautiful animal. At last he is free...
Kay, I petted an elephant at a fair once. It was bristled ...hair like wire on it's body...not hairy but sparse. I hate to see them hurt. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteThis story made me cry when i read it on the news site. At the circus once, i even got to ride an elephant! They are beautiful and deserve the best treatment.
ReplyDeleteI love elephants too and I am so glad he was set free!
ReplyDeleteMaravillosa historia nos has contado sobre ese hermoso elefante de la India, con una gran ternura y responsabilidad, con la que has conseguido enternecerme.
ReplyDeleteEl mundo necesita personas como tu y blog como es que tuyo,
Enhorabuena y un afectuoso saludo.
I did read that story. It is a crying shame that there are people out there that cruel. Elephants are so intelligent and that makes it worse. I hope this one has many many beautiful years ahead and although nothing can give him back those 50 years, I hope that the last years are going to be the best possible.
ReplyDeleteJanice
Wow, amazing, gives me chills. Elephants are so special to me. And this story reminds me of the book I love and have talked about often...The One and Only Ivan.
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