Success: Gajraj the Elephant Freed From Chains After 50 Years

Target: Bhagat Sarjan, Principle Chief Conservator of Forests of Maharashtra Forest Department

Goal: Praise the Maharashtra Forest Department for unchaining Gajraj and bringing him to an accredited sanctuary.

Gajraj is an elderly elephant in his mid-sixties that was taken from the wild at 12 and trapped in captivity ever since. Thankfully, after over 50 years of being chained, Gajraj has finally been freed and is being brought to a specialized care center for elephants. This is in part thanks to petitions like this one at ForceChange.

For the past 50 years, Gajraj has been chained on a small slab of concrete. In the wild, elephants will roam and play for most of the day. Gajraj could do nothing but stand there, which has lead to many physical and mental issues. He has been seen swaying excessively and showing other signs of excessive stress. He also has overgrown nails and has developed abscesses where the chain was constantly rubbing against his skin. These are only the issues that can be seen. Standing on hard surfaces like concrete for extended periods of time can also lead to arthritis and other foot problems in elephants.

Thankfully, this is now over for Gajraj. His injuries and issues will be treated and he will finally be able to live the life nature intended at a sanctuary. Sign this petition and praise the Maharashtra Forest Department for finally bringing freedom to Gajraj.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Mr. Sarjan,

After over 50 years of being chained to a small slab on concrete, Gajraj the elephant is finally experiencing freedom again. Thank you for your compassion and dedication to helping this innocent animal.

It is believed Gajraj was taken from the wild at 12 years old and has been held in captivity ever since. Captivity is extremely detrimental to these incredibly intelligent creatures. Gajraj has shown stress indicators like excessive swaying and suffers from physical ailments including, but not limited to, overgrown nails and painful abscesses. Thankfully, these issues are now being treated after years of neglect.

Thank you for releasing Gajraj from his chains and rescuing him from a life in captivity. He has so much to experience and I am ecstatic he is finally being brought to a sanctuary where he will be surrounded by sunshine, nature, and friends.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo credit: Michael Nichols