Bollywood star Jacqueline Fernandez urges her millions of fans to support campaign to re-home elephant held in captivity after The Sun revealed his life of hell
Gajraj is showing signs of serious psychological distress and physical injury from being kept chained up
Jacqueline Fernandez has urged her six million followers to support the release of Gajraj the elephantCredit: jacquelinef143/Instagram
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Gajraj the elephant is dying in agony while chained in captivity in IndiaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
Jacqueline, who saw our story on social media in India, said: “It’s appalling that we’ve let Gajraj stay shackled for 50+ years. Help him get the care he needs.”
Gajraj is being kept as a tourist attraction at Satara, Maharashtra state.
He is showing signs of bad mental and physical distress including head-bobbing and swaying.
Wildlife SOS wants to re-home him at a rescue centre.
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The Sri Lankan actress/model was the winner of the 2006 Miss Universe Sri Lanka pageantCredit: jacquelinef143/Instagram
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The distressed animal is showing serious signs of psychological upset including swaying and head bobbingCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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The pained beast is being held in the custody of Her Highness Shrimant Gayatri Devi Pant Pratinidhi, the Queen of AundhCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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The majestic elephant is suffering daily with painful abscesses on his hind quarters an elbowsCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
The Bollywood star read about the elephant after The Sun's exclusive story spread across social mediaCredit: Getty Images
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Ms Fernandez urged social media users to get Gajraj the help he needsCredit: jacquelinef143/Instagram
It said: “We shall fight for his freedom."
Gajraj had previously been used by handlers to beg for money from visitors but is now so ill he has been dumped there for years to die.
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Gajraj has been used by handlers in the past to beg for money but is now too ill after being dumped for years to dieCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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The suffering animal has a wound on his left shoulderCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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Animal rights activists are campaigning to have Gajraj released from captivity as soon as possibleCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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The elephant's tusks have been cut and he remains shackled in constant agonyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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Painful blisters on his legs from the chains have no chance of healing while he remains in captivityCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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An abscess on his left hip adds to his daily pain and discomfortCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
He is imprisoned just seven minutes walk from the popular tourist spot of Sri Bhavani Museum, where British masterpieces by artist Henry Moore sit.
The elephant’s home is listed as a must see of “serenity and bliss” on tourist websites.
Local authorities declined to comment.
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The Bollywood superstar fully supports the campaign to free the majestic elephant and have him re-homed in a safe environmentCredit: jacquelinef143/Instagram
