According to Wildlife S.O.S., Rhea the elephant endured "horrendous cruelty
and neglect" for almost 53 years while residing in an Indian circus. But
after months apart, Rhea was reunited with her elephant "sisters," Mia and
Sita, due to the elephant rescue and its sponsors. Rhea was present with Mia
and Sita during their lengthy service, however they were rescued in November
2015, leaving Rhea behind.
To obtain Rhea, Wildlife S.O.S. had to prepare the necessary documentation
and permit, which took several months and a lot of legal fighting. They
wrote of Rhea's rescue on their website: "It crushed our hearts to leave
Rhea behind, but we always knew we'd come back for her, and fight with all
our power to get her released too."
However, they adhered to their word and released Rhea in April 2015. They
set up Rhea's relocation to her new residence and reunion with her family
right away.
Rhea's physique has suffered as a result of the years she spent chained up
and living in a small cage. Her feet were in a pretty horrible condition,
with "cracked toenails, swelling footpads, and an abscess," according to the
veterinarian who examined them. She was also underweight, perhaps as a
result of years of eating poorly.
Rhea was placed onto a vehicle and driven to the Elephant Conservation and
Care Centre, Mathura, after being given the best level of comfort
possible.
Mia and Sita were waiting to welcome her as soon as she exited the vehicle!
The elephants quickly intertwined their trunks and began to joyfully roar
toward one another. Even offering some delectable new grass to one of the
other elephants, Rhea.
The elephants reconciled with one another right away and haven't left each
other's side since.
Rhea and Sita shared a lovely bucket of fruit on Rhea's first day at the
shelter.
If you observed Rhea's bells around her neck, Wildlife S.O.S. co-founder
Ms. Geeta Seshamani removed them soon after. Their elimination represents
Rhea's release from a lifetime of suffering and mistreatment in the
circus.
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After spending so many years in confinement, it is a huge joy to see these
elephants being well-cared for and allowed to live their natural
lives.
The remaining days of the elephant sisters' lives will be spent together in
happiness.
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animals