This Ganesh Chaturthi, Transform The Lives Of Abused And Neglected Elephants

Dr. Shiela Rao of the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (WRRC) recounts heart-wrenching stories of the elephants that now call their 42-acre sanctuary home. Located in Lakshmisagara, this is Karnataka’s first elephant care facility, inaugurated in 2022. In collaboration with the Karnataka Forest Department, WRRC is on a mission to provide these gentle giants with the peaceful lives they deserve.

"Jaya, one of the elephants in our care, was beaten with wooden sticks and abused by a mob to force her obedience. The pain in her eyes was unmistakable—this majestic creature was so starved she looked like she hadn’t eaten in days. Every elephant under our care has endured a tragic past. In a country that reveres the elephant as a god, it’s heartbreaking to witness the cruelty they endure," shares Dr. Sheila Rao, Trustee and Co-founder of WRRC.  

This Ganesh Chaturthi, come together to protect these majestic beings and ensure they receive the care and respect they deserve. 

We promise them freedom and a life without fear  

These elephants have spent years in captivity, knowing nothing but pain and suffering. Elephants are social animals, but many of these elephants have lived lonely lives, never even meeting another elephant. This loneliness has deeply affected their behavior, and they require special care.

Many suffer from arthritis, a result of standing for long hours at circuses or religious events. Elephants aren’t built to stand for such extended periods; their legs simply can’t support their heavy weight for so long. Some are terrified of humans, so at WRRC, they ensure these elephants have minimal interaction with unfamiliar people. Their old mahouts are the ones who care for them now. These elephants also have wounds and abscesses, and some have even gone blind from the cruelty they’ve endured.

"If we hadn’t rescued them, they would have died a painful death. I can never understand how anyone could be so cruel to these animals.” 

WRRC offers these elephants a life free from fear. With advanced medical techniques and laser treatments to heal wounds, the centre provides the best care possible for these neglected elephants. Surrounded by nature and a dedicated team, these gentle giants finally have a second chance at life. 

This Ganesh Chaturthi, donate to give these elephants a happy and healthy life  

Beaten, starved, and abused—these elephants have endured unimaginable torture. The compassionate team at WRRC is doing everything they can to give them a better life, but caring for these gentle giants is a huge task.

This Ganesh Chaturthi, as we gather to celebrate Lord Ganesha, let’s also open our hearts and donate generously to help these majestic elephants live a happy and healthy life.

About the NGO: Karnataka’s first elephant care facility, established in Lakshmisagara in 2022, spans 42 acres of land provided by the Karnataka Forest Department. While the infrastructure has been set up by the Forest Department, Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre (WRRC), a Bengaluru-based non-profit, manages the day-to-day operations. Elephants that once lived in captivity now occupy this sanctuary, where they finally experience a peaceful life. However, years of captivity have left them with lasting scars. A dedicated team works tirelessly to ensure these elephants enjoy the happy and healthy life they deserve.