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First moments of freedom for elephant, held captive for 50 years

After 50 years chained in captivity, a partially blind and badly injured 70-year-old Indian temple elephant has taken its first steps of freedom, thanks to the work of wildlife rescuers and local police.

Gajraj, whose name means "king of elephants", was partially blind, with foot abscesses, and had its tusks hacked off, and was still shackled by all four legs when rescuers found it.

A PETA campaign drew attention of the creature's frail state from decades of malnutrition and dehydration and worked with the Wildlife SOS team to facilitate its rescue.

Finally free, 70-year-old elephant Gajraj walks without shackles after being held captive for 50 years. Picture: Wildlife SOS
Finally free, 70-year-old elephant Gajraj walks without shackles after being held captive for 50 years. Picture: Wildlife SOS

Despite its owner, the Queen of Aundh, being persuaded to surrender Gajraj, the rescue team was met with an angry mob of locals who became violent when the Wildlife SOS crew arrived on Wednesday.

A large police contingent and officers from Forest Department and District Administration were forced to intervene when about 500 locals threw stones at the rescuers as they attempted to load the retired creature on India's only a purpose-built elephant ambulance, according to local reports.

The Wildlife SOS rescue mission came close to being sabotaged by angry locals who tried to intervene. Picture: Wildlife SOS
The Wildlife SOS rescue mission came close to being sabotaged by angry locals who tried to intervene. Picture: Wildlife SOS

Despite the intervention, Gajraj arrived safely on Saturday at his new home at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Care & Conservation Center in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, northern India, following a 1500km journey.

A rescue team including expert veterinarians, paramedics, and elephant caretakers travelled with the majestic animal.

The elderly animal was taken from a temple at Aundh in Maharashtr, where it was chained and in poor health, to a life of freedom and care.

Wildlife rescuers welcome Gajraj to sanctuary. Picture: Wildlife SOS
Wildlife rescuers welcome Gajraj to sanctuary. Picture: Wildlife SOS

"There was a lot of drama and anger as we approached," Wildlife SOS co-founder Kartick Satyanarayan told Times of India.

"The elephant was aggravated by a loud and unruly mob."

Wildlife carers quickly tended to his injuries sustained while captive at the Hindu temple.

The retired elephant travelled 1500 kilometres in the purpose-built elephant ambulance. Picture: Wildlife SOS
The retired elephant travelled 1500 kilometres in the purpose-built elephant ambulance. Picture: Wildlife SOS

Gajraj was a candidate for geriatric life time care, according to Wildlife SOS.

The welfare organisation said its Conservation and Care Center was equipped with veterinary facilities for elephant treatment and was currently providing lifetime care for more than 20 rehabilitated pachyderms like Gajraj.

"Within a few short minutes of stepping into the centre, we could see a marked change in the behaviour of the elephant," Mr Satyanarayan said.

"It immediately took to the new surroundings, gorging on fruits and taking dust baths."