Under the soothing canopy of the trees at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC), Tara moves gracefully through her routine. She is among the calmest, most observant, and cheerful elephants at ECCC. Her warm presence and trusting nature often make her a fan favourite among the caregivers and veterinarians who have watched her transform over the years. When Tara first arrived at the centre, she carried with her the invisible weight of 25 years spent in captivity. Decorated with bright paint and ornaments, she was forced to walk for hours on streets to beg from passersby. But today, all one can see is the image of resilience in her. Whether it’s her fruit feeding time, morning walk, or her solitary moments by the pool, Tara exudes peace. Her caregivers fondly describe her as an innocent, composed, yet playful pachyderm.
[Image © Wildlife SOS/Vineet Singh]
A Gentle Routine of Comfort
Every day at the centre begins quite early for Tara. Her mornings start with a long walk with her caregiver, followed by target training sessions that are positively reinforced with treats that include hearty fruits. Her caregivers describe how she extends her trunk in excitement as soon as she catches sight of watermelons and dates! A rejuvenating bath and regular foot check-up follows this, after which Tara spends time enjoying green fodder, engaging with enrichments. Her spacious enclosure includes a variety of them that encourage her natural instincts — sturdy wooden logs allow her to lean and rest her weight comfortably, while rolling cages and hanging drums challenge her to hunt hidden treats using her trunk.
During the noon, Tara receives a nourishing meal of cooked concentrate. This is a specially formulated blend that includes ragi (finger millet), horse gram, and brown rice to enhance immunity and regulate smooth digestion. Come evening, Tara heads out for another walk, for which the caregiver makes sure to carry a bag of roasted grams and chana for her. The amiable elephant returns and resorts to a lengthy dust bath, till it’s time for the awaited evening meal.
[Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/ Vineet Singh]
Healing with Care
Post rescue, Tara’s journey towards an improved health hasn’t been without its fair share of challenges. She has a history of colic, which is a digestive discomfort common to distressed elephants. She is therefore given round-the-clock veterinarian attention. The medical team explains that close monitoring of Tara helps them to track subtle signs such as refusing food, being restless, or sitting and standing repeatedly. As soon as these are noticed, immediate action is taken.
[Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/ Vineet Singh]
Tara’s nursing care plan integrates both old and new approaches. She gets herbal powder once a week to aid her digestion, while routine supplements of multivitamins, minerals, and liver tonics are given periodically to support her overall health.
Friendly Bonding and Companionship
Tara enjoys calm and composed solitude, but off late, she has shown a friendly inclination towards the well-known mini herd, Emma, Maya and Phoolkali. On her daily walks, Tara would often encounter the trio, and exchange gentle calls with them. These fleeting meetings have now converted into a wonderful bond of companionship, as the three elephants have willingly included Tara in their morning walks. Caregivers observe how Tara and the trio share affectionate trunk touches and even support each other over uneven grounds! Tara is now eager to join the walk with Emma, Maya, and the head of the herd Phoolkali, who delightfully guides the three. We are happy to see Tara reveal her social nature, as she was lovingly welcomed like a family member of the herd.
Tara (left), Phoolkali (centre), and Maya (right). [Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/ Mradul Pathak]
A Peaceful Spirit
There’s something profoundly inspiring about Tara — she’s neither attention-seeking nor loud. She pleasantly co-operates during her medical examinations that include an attentive pedicure, showcasing the trust she has developed in her caregivers at ECCC. From an elephant once burdened by exploitation and neglect, she has emerged to be a tranquil pachyderm who is at ease in her surroundings. Every watermelon she savours and every step she takes is a reminder of what compassion and patience can achieve.
[Photo (c) Wildlife SOS/ Kunal Malhotra]
At Wildlife SOS, Tara has found a newfound and cherishable companionship that we are proud to witness. We continue to provide the demure elephant with the care and nutrition she deserves. She’s no longer a figure of pity, but rather a testament to the natural course of healing. Rescued elephants like Tara at our centres are discovering peace, love and freedom they were denied in the past. You too can support Tara’s welfare by becoming a sponsor today.
Feature image: Kunal Malhotra/ Wildlife SOS
