An old elephant named Matilda was taken from the wild while still just a calf, and immediately forced into servitude. For her entire life, she had not known the peace of living as elephants should, but instead spent her days carrying sightseers, never knowing rest. Only this past year was Matilda finally set free, and the long journey of her healing began.
It was high time Matilda received the care she truly deserved, and was allowed the rest she so dearly needed, said a representative from the Save the Elephant charity. We organised a rescue mission to grant her safety and bring her to a sanctuary.
Near the close of January, Matilda was moved from the place where she had toiled all these years, and brought to Forest Haven Elephant Sanctuary. The elephants condition was dire: she was gaunt, toothless, and her skin was rough and cracked from neglect. At last, she was in good hands under the vigilant eyes of the sanctuarys staff.
The keepers at Forest Haven noted that many elephants who come to the sanctuary remain wary and suspicious for quite some time. Years of hardship leave them nervous and slow to trust, and some are even afraid to lie down to rest. Fortunately, it did not take much coaxing for Matildaafter eighty long years spent on her feet, she was utterly exhausted.
During her first night at the sanctuary, Matilda sunk into a deep, dreamless sleepso deep that, come morning, she could not rise. The carers immediately noticed her struggle and hurried to help. While Matilda settles into her new surroundings, she is carefully watched over, and every effort is made to ensure her transition is as gentle as possible.
There is still a long road ahead for Matilda as she recovers from her years of hardship. Yet, with steady nourishment, leisurely strolls among the trees, and soothing mud baths, her strength is beginning to return. Now, at last, Matilda is living the life she was always meant fora life of peace and freedom, enjoyed by a gentle creature in the English countryside.
