Raju the Indian elephant who cried when he was freed from spiked shackles after 50 years of suffering may be returned to his former cruel owners.
Raju was made famous the world over when he was rescued during an operation in July by Wildlife SOS's Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in India.
However, the tortured elephant's former owners are trying to reclaim their ‘rightful property’ as part of legal proceedings. The court hearing is scheduled for September 4 in Allahabad, India.
But Wildlife SOS founder Kartick Satyanarayan, who led the rescue operation to save Raju, said the wildlife organisation is prepared to take the fight for Raju to the Supreme Court of India.
When Raju was rescued, the chains that cut into his legs had been there for 50 years - his legs were covered in abscesses and his feet damaged by walking on hard tarmac roads. Raju had not been fed properly - tourists fed him sweets and because he was starving he had been eating plastic and paper. He had no shelter at night and was forced to beg for his cruel owners. Raju still needs years of treatment to heal from his wounds, which are both physical and psychological.
His former owners need to be charged with animal abuse and neglect – not to be handed back Raju who deserves a good life after his years of suffering.
Please sign and share the petition to help save Raju the elephant from being returned to his cruel former owners.
Update #59 years ago
UPDATE: Success! AN Indian Court has ruled in favor of keeping Raju with his rescuers. The court agreed that — without a license from the Chief Wildlife Warden — the “owner” had no legitimate claim to the elephant. Raju is free to spend the rest of his life surrounded by caring attendants and his new elephant family! Thanks for signing the petition.
Update #49 years ago
Update: Once again, Raju's court case has been postponed. The case has been delayed to be heard on November 17. Please keep sharing the petition to stop Raju being returned to his former cruel owner.
Update #39 years ago
Update: Raju's court date has been delayed once again. The new date is now October 13.
Update #29 years ago
UPDATE: Raju's court case has been rescheduled and is now listed to be heard on September 12th. Lawyers for Wildlife SOS will be defending Raju. They are in discussions with senior officers of the State Forest Department.
Update #19 years ago
It is reported that Raju's court date has been changed to September 11. Please share the petition to help keep Raju from going back to a life of misery with his former cruel owners.
