Suzy, oldest rescued elephant in India, celebrates 9 years of freedom

Suzy, a 74-year-old female elephant who was rescued from a circus in Andhra Pradesh, celebrated her 9th anniversary of freedom at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh. The occasion marked a significant milestone in her journey from exploitation to sanctuary, and a symbol of hope for elephants everywhere.

oldest rescued elephant in India

Suzy was one of the six elephants who were rescued by Wildlife SOS in 2015, in a historic operation that freed 25 circus elephants across India. Suzy had spent 60 years of her life in captivity, enduring unspeakable cruelty and abuse. She was forced to perform unnatural and painful tricks for human amusement, and was deprived of proper care and nutrition. She suffered from chronic ailments, such as arthritis, foot abscesses, and blindness in both eyes.

But nine years ago, Suzy’s life changed for the better, when the dedicated team at Wildlife SOS rushed to her rescue and liberated her from the shackles of her past. She was transported to the ECCC, where she received specialised geriatric care and attention from the staff and caregivers. She was given a spacious enclosure, a mud pool, a fresh water pond, and a companion elephant named Asha.

Suzy thrives despite challenges

Since then, Suzy has undergone a remarkable physical and emotional transformation. She has grown into the oldest elephant at the ECCC, defying the odds. She is now under geriatric care, receiving regular pedicures, vitamin and mineral supplements, and massages with herbal oils.

Suzy enjoys a healthy diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, and loves to whip her green fodder against her feet before eating it. She is blind in both eyes, but her acute senses and the dedicated attention of her caregivers ensure her comfort and safety.

Dr. Ilayaraja S, Deputy Director- Veterinary Services, Wildlife SOS, said, “Suzy is a very special elephant for us, as she is the oldest one we have rescued so far. She has overcome many challenges and hardships in her life, and we are glad to see her happy and healthy in her twilight years. We provide her with the best possible care and comfort, and monitor her health closely".

she added, "Recently, as a part of our winter care management, she also received massages with herbal oils to aid blood circulation and keep her warm, along with a customised diet comprising necessary nutrients and supplements.”

Suzy celebrates 9 years freedom

Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO of Wildlife SOS, expressed his joy and pride as Suzy, the oldest rescued elephant in India, celebrated her 9th anniversary of freedom. He said that Suzy’s rescue was a significant milestone for the organisation, which has been working to save and rehabilitate elephants in distress across the country.

Kartick said that Suzy had endured unimaginable suffering and abuse for 60 years in a circus, where she was forced to perform unnatural and painful tricks for human entertainment. He said that Wildlife SOS worked hard to give Suzy her independence, and brought her to the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Mathura, where she received specialised geriatric care and attention from the staff and caregivers.

Geeta Seshamani, Co-founder and Secretary of Wildlife SOS, said, “Suzy’s life is now filled with compassion and care. Our care team at the ECCC ensures Suzy is well taken care of. Suzy enjoys a healthy diet rich in fresh vegetables and particularly loves to whip her green fodder against her feet before munching it down. She also likes to spend time with her friend Asha, who is like a sister to her. Suzy is a gentle and calm elephant, who inspires us with her resilience and courage.”

Baiju Raj M.V, Director- Conservation Projects, Wildlife SOS, said, “Suzy has no molars, which is why a specialised diet is followed for her. Her fruits are finely chopped into a smoothie for her easy consumption and so is her green fodder. She also gets soaked grains and porridge to keep her hydrated and nourished. Suzy is very cooperative and patient with her caregivers, who treat her with utmost respect and affection."

Keep Reading

Part 1: Cloudburst  in Ganderbal's Padabal village & unfulfilled promises