Suraj, a 45-year-old elephant, spent decades in a dark, confined space at a temple in Maharashtra, India. Chained and neglected, the elephant’s name, which means “sun” in Hindi, belied the darkness that defined his life.

When Wildlife SOS learned about Suraj’s dire situation, the organization’s co-founder Geeta Seshamani was determined to rescue him and provide the care he desperately needed.

Watch the video at the end.

However, the rescue mission was far from simple. The Wildlife SOS team faced 10 hours of negotiations and opposition from a mob insistent on keeping Suraj captive.

Finally, on December 20, 2015, Suraj was loaded onto an elephant ambulance and escorted to safety by local police and state forest department officials.

Upon examining the elephant, Wildlife SOS veterinarians discovered the extent of Suraj’s mistreatment, which included bullhook wounds, lice infestations, infected eyes, and a missing left ear – likely torn off when he was poached as a baby.

Source: Elephant Asia Rescue and Survival foundation – EARS

“Sadly, although [elephants] are worshipped in temples throughout the country, they are housed in pathetic conditions in ignorance of their complex physical, psychological, and social requirements,” said Kartick Satyanarayan, co-founder of Wildlife SOS.

After his rescue, Suraj embarked on a four-day journey to Wildlife SOS’s Elephant Conservation and Care Center. There, he was warmly welcomed with sugarcane and bananas, marking the beginning of his new life.

Now, Suraj relishes mud baths, basks in the sun, and enjoys leisurely strolls through fields with a constant smile on his face. Affectionately called the “handsome tusker,” he receives love, treats, and care from his caretakers.