Demand End to Agony of Gajraj the Elephant Shackled for 50 Years

  • by: Philippa Powers
  • recipient: Her Highness Shrimant Gayatri Devi Pant Pratinidhi, the Queen of Aundh; Prime Minister of India - Narendra Modi

This is the shocking condition of an elephant held in captivity for 50 years and dying in agony in his brutal shackles.

Heartbreaking images show Gajraj, kept as a tourist attraction at a temple in Satara, India, with the tips of his tusks hacked off and open sores where chains are clamped around his legs.

The 63-year-old animal is also said to be showing severe psychological anguish brought about by isolation and the abusive treatment he receives in captivity.

But the giant animal is reportedly suffering daily with abscesses on his hide. Overgrown toenails also force him to shift his weight from one side to another constantly. 

Charities are desperately campaigning for him to be moved to the Wildlife SOS’s Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Mathura.

Hopefully, this petition will tip the scales and allow Gajraj to spend the rest of his days unshackled in a sanctuary with other elephants for company.

To Her Highness Shrimant Gayatri Devi Pant Pratinidhi, the Queen of Aundh; Prime Minister of India - Narendra Modi:


Gajraj, the elephant, has spent 50 years in captivity and is now dying in agony in his brutal shackles.


Gajraj, kept as a tourist attraction at a temple in Satara, India, has had the tips of his tusks hacked off and has open sores where chains are clamped around his legs.


The 63-year-old animal is also said to be showing severe psychological anguish brought about by isolation and the abusive treatment he receives in captivity.


We, the undersigned, respectfully request that you intervene and allow Gajraj to retire to the Wildlife SOS’s Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Mathura.


It is the humane thing to do.

Update #26 years ago
Good news! Gajraj has been rescued! After 50 years of suffering, this ailing, elderly elephant has finally been rescued. PETA India is currently giving him the treatment he needs. After his health is addressed, he will begin the process of becoming acclimatized to new surroundings in a sanctuary with other elephants. Read about it here: http://www.petaindia.com/blog/victory-gajraj-is-free/?utm_campaign=0617%20gajraj%20rescued%20blog%20&utm_source=PETA%20India%20Email&utm_medium=Alert
Update #16 years ago
Thank you all for signing. I have sent the petition to the Prime Minister of India; but, cannot find any email or other contact information for Her Highness Shrimant Gayatri Devi Pant Pratinidhi. I have looked high and low; but, have been unsuccessful. If any of you know how I can contact her, please send me the info and I will send her a copy of our petition immediately. If I get a response from the Prime Minister, I will pass it on. Blessings to you all.
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