Agra,   "Rosie", a 39-year-old elephant that was illegally transported across states, has been rescued by the Forest Department in Bhadohi, Uttar Pradesh.

The elephant had heavy, painful spiked chains around her limbs and is suffering from severe foot ailments. Rosie was found in fragile health conditions due to years of neglect and lack of veterinary care. It has been placed under the care of Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital at Mathura to receive specialised medical treatment and nutritious food.

The Uttar Pradesh Forest Department had been on the lookout for Rosie after receiving intel from wildlife conservation charity Wildlife SOS earlier this month. She was used for wedding processions and begging, and spent most of her life in excruciating pain, walking endlessly with spiked chains around her legs.

Last week, following court orders that granted rehabilitation of Rosie to the Wildlife SOS Elephant Hospital in Mathura, a specialised Elephant Ambulance with a team of veterinarians and elephant care staff from this facility travelled to Bhadohi to assist the UP Forest Department in bringing the elephant to Mathura.

A thorough medical examination revealed that the female elephant is nearly 39-year-old, has worn out footpads and cracked toenails as a result of being forced to walk on harsh tarmac roads and other unsuitable surfaces. Additionally, she has several painful abscesses and injuries on her body. The veterinary team was equipped for providing immediate relief to the elephant during the journey.

As Rosie finally meets with her freedom, and she is nursed back to health at the hospital, it will undergo specialised medical procedures like Laser Therapy, Digital Wireless Radiology and Thermal Imaging at the hands of experts at India's first and only Elephant Hospital Campus established by Wildlife SOS in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh Forest Department.

Dr Ilayaraja said: "Years of neglect and abuse have taken a toll on Rosie's health. We know that her feet are in a deplorable state and her body is covered with numerous injuries. We are conducting detailed medical examinations to get a clear picture of her health and provide her with the necessary care."

Baiju Raj M.V, the veterinary in-charge at this hospital said, "We are grateful for the intervention by Uttar Pradesh Forest Department to save this elephant from distress. The life of a begging elephant is riddled with pain and they suffer severe mental stress that takes years to heal. Now that Rosie has arrived safely at the Elephant Hospital, we can ensure that she gets the medical treatment and care she deserves."

Neeraj Kumar Arya, Divisional Forest Officer, Bhadohi Uttar Pradesh said that "Rosie was suffering from various health issues. Due to her deteriorating health, it was decided that the elephant be urgently transferred to the Elephant Hospital."