NGO campaigns to rescue elephant calf in captivity

Suman, a six-year-old female elephant calf, is a victim of illegal wildlife trafficking held captive in Jaipur, which non-government organisation Wildlife SOS is trying to rescue. “The Rajasthan Forest Department has been informed of the above situation by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, yet no action has been taken to rescue Suman or arrest the persons keeping her in illegal custody,” noted a release issued by the group.

In captivity

Wildlife SOS, an Indian conservation non-profit group has launched a campaign on https://bit.ly/2IA3jwa to raise awareness about the elephant trafficking and bring to light Suman’s plight which is reflective of so many other elephants in captivity across India.

Geeta Seshamani, co-founder of Wildlife SOS, said, “As a baby elephant, Suman is faced with an uncertain future — either 50 years of abuse, beatings, neglect and fear or 50 years of safety, kindness, veterinary care and love from people and other elephants at the Wildlife SOS Elephant rescue centre. Her fate lies in our hands!”

Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder & CEO Wildlife SOS, said,“Suman is a helpless elephant calf separated from her mother. There are other calves that suffer a similar fate like her. Until now she has had no one to fight for her. Several elephants are living this life in India. Such cases remain unknown. We are reaching out to our supporters and elephant lovers across the world to stand up for Suman and ensure her future is safe with us, and that she is reunited with her sister, Peanut.”

B.K. Singh (retd) Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Head of the Forest Force) Karnataka said, “Keeping six-year-old Suman locked up and not allowing her to be with her mother and family members is a crime. The only aim of the owner appears to be earning money from tourism in Jaipur. Proper upkeep is lacking in handling the elephants.”


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