Raju the elephant had been chained in captivity for 50 years until wildlife experts, police, vets and 20 Forestry Commission officers set him free.
While enjoying his first taste of freedom, Raju became so happy that he cried.
During a dangerous night-time operation on Wednesday night, rescuers saved Raju from a farm in India’s Uttar Pradesh region where he had been repeatedly abused and beaten.
After Raju was freed, he realized that his captivity was finally over and tears poured down his face.
As a baby calf, Raju was reportedly taken from his mother and was passed around among 27 owners who constantly used him to beg for money.
Pooja Binepal of rescue team Wildlife SOS-UK said, “Raju was in chains 24 hours a day, an act of intolerable cruelty. The team were astounded to see tears roll down his face during the rescue. It was incredibly emotional. We knew in our hearts he realized he was being freed.”
Rescuers finally took action a year after Uttar Pradesh Forest Department reported Raju’s condition to Wildlife SOS-UK.
Raju’s owner continually refused to give up the elephant, but the rescuers embarked on a Wednesday night sneak attack.
We’re so happy for Raju!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2ejQN6OVdU
[Source]
