Blind Elephant Takes Her First Steps To Freedom After 46 Years In Captivity
Elephants are such majestic creatures; however, it's no secret that people have been taking advantage of them for many years. From keeping them on display in circuses to abusing them for the sake of tourism, these gentle giants have endured a lot at the hands of humans.
Because of their gentle nature, it becomes much easier for people with ill intentions to capture them and keep them in cages that aren't meant for them. Thankfully, there are many rescue organizations dedicated to seeking out elephants in need and determined to give these beautiful creatures the lives they deserve.
One such elephant, a 46-year-old blind female, was rescued from the hands of people who were not properly caring for her. She had lived a tough life at the hands of her captors, but just recently, she was able to take her first steps toward freedom and her new life, thanks to the efforts of Wildlife SOS.
Keep reading to witness the emotional moment they finally let her go into the life she deserves.
The elephant, named Karma, has lived in captivity her entire life, where she led a very tough existence. Although blind and weak, she was forced to carry heavy loads on the streets of India almost every day.
Having gone through that all her life, everything might have seemed hopeless for Karma. Fortunately, she was rescued and taken to the Wildlife SOS Elephant Care and Conservation Center.
After traveling for miles, Karma was able to begin her journey to freedom. The rescue team even recorded the moment she stepped out of the truck when they transferred her to the sanctuary.
This marks Karma's first steps toward a new life.
“Karma experienced her first taste of freedom as she stepped off the ambulance and into the Wildlife SOS elephant hospital,” the team wrote on Facebook. “She is blind and will undergo a comprehensive medical exam and treatment in the coming days, but you can see her tentatively feel her way step by step.”
According to the team, Karma will be staying in the medical unit until she is strong enough, both physically and mentally, to be introduced to the other elephants at the sanctuary. They are optimistic, however, that she'll soon be ready for that.
So far, it seems that she's enjoying every moment of her freedom, and she has already captured the hearts of the volunteers helping her.
“Because she’s completely blind, we’re taking it slowly as we introduce her to her new life,” the group wrote on Facebook. “She’s such a peaceful elephant, and the staff has quickly fallen in love with her. It’s hard to imagine how much she suffered just a few short weeks ago before her rescue. Hopefully, her memories of abuse will quickly fade.”
It's difficult to imagine what this elephant must have endured during those long 46 years. It's also hard to fathom how anyone could abuse such a peaceful giant who only wants to live a tranquil life.
Thankfully, she was rescued just in time to live out the rest of her life with her fellow elephants in a place where they will be safe from anyone who would ever want to hurt them.
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