Lakhi, the blind begging elephant spent decades being abused and tormented by her owners. Beaten and chained her whole life, 61 year old Lakhi finally had chance at freedom when she was rescued by Wildlife SOS in 2015.
Forcefully blinded by her cruel owners and then forced to beg at various temples and small towns to earn money, Lakhi the elephant had faced one of life’s greatest injustice. Her blindness put her at constant risk of road accidents if not guided properly, but that made little difference to her handlers who were intent on exploiting her for their selfish needs.
Mishandled, beaten and whipped all her life, she has several injuries and wounds on her chest, forehead, ears and back. She was regularly beaten with a bull-hook or ankush, starved for days and forced to walk on hot tarred roads for long hours without water or rest. Adding to this torment, were the heavy spiked chains around her feet which led to severe puncture wounds and abrasion injuries, that were never allowed to heal properly. She had lost all hope, until Wildlife SOS rescued her from Pune in February 2015. Since her arrival at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in Mathura, Lakhi made an incredible recovery.
Lakhi’s blindness initially made it difficult for her to adjust to a new environment, but she was lucky to meet Asha elephant, who true to her name was like a ‘beacon of hope’. This gentle matriarch immediately took Lakhi under her wing and till today continues to be her best friend and guide at the centre. Lakhi is exceptionally smart and uses her keen sense of smell to make up for her lack of vision.Today, under the constant care and treatment provided by the Wildlife SOS veterinarians and elephant keepers, 61 year old Lakhi has been able to put her traumatic past behind her and is enjoying her freedom along with her fellow pachyderms at Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre.
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Lakhi, the blind begging elephant spent decades being abused and tormented by her owners
Beaten and chained her whole life, 61 year old Lakhi finally had chance at freedom when she was rescued by Wildlife SOS in 2015
Lakhi and Coconut at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation & Care Centre, Mathura.
Lakhi has made an incredible recovery since her arrival at the centre
Lakhi out for a walk with her keeper.