Mathura,22 May 2026 (UTN). Saved from a tormenting life of begging on the streets, Phoolkali – a female elephant – was rescued in 2012. The Uttar Pradesh Forest Department and Wildlife SOS, a conservation non-profit, jumped in to rescue the elderly elephant and brought her to a safe shelter at the Elephant Conservation and Care Centre (ECCC) in Mathura.
For more than 50 long years, elephant Phoolkali had to suffer mistreatment, abuse and suffering when her life involved a monotonous routine of walking the streets of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, in the middle of traffic and chaos. Walking on hot, tarred roads for hours at a stretch caused severe foot problems to the pachyderm, including toenail abscesses, torn footpads and infected wounds. A proper examination revealed that in addition to malnutrition, she was blind in her right eye due to an untreated cataract.
But after her arrival at ECCC, Phoolkali held on to every bit of strength left in her and recovered miraculously under the care of Wildlife SOS. Over these 14 years, Phoolkali formed close bonds with the elephant caregivers. The pachyderm responds positively during her treatment sessions, and her caregiver tenderly provides her ample treats. Nearly 70 years old now, she has even become the matriarch of her own mini herd! The geriatric elephant belongs to a trio including elephants Maya and Emma. While Maya was a former circus elephant, Emma was rescued from a life of servitude.
Currently at the Wildlife SOS rescue centre, Phoolkali receives regular dressing for her chronic toenail abscess on one of her front feet, complemented by toenail trimming. She gets respite from the harsh summer through access to a pool inside her enclosure, along with water sprinklers and summer friendly fruits such as watermelon, cucumber and coconut. To complete her nutritional nourishment, she also receives porridge and health supplements to ensure an all-round diet. Phoolkali’s routine is realised with her daily walks, accompanied by Emma and Maya.
Dr. Ilayaraja S, Deputy Director- Veterinary Services, Wildlife SOS commented, “Together, the trio has grown inseparable, and Emma and Maya’s company has played a crucial role in Phoolkali’s healing journey. The three of them are one of the most popular elephant trios at the Wildlife SOS centres.”
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO, Wildlife SOS said, “Female elephants in the wild stay in large herds. Even though Phoolkali doesn’t have a herd here, the trio she has formed with her companions gives her the emotional strength to move forward each day. This positive turn in her life was only possible due to the tireless efforts of our veterinary and elephant caregiver team.
Shrestha Pachauri
senior press officer
Wildlife SOS.
