Elephants at Nehru Zoo freed from chains after years

HYDERABAD: For decades, elephants Vanaja, Asha and Sita spent their nights in shackles at Hyderabad’s Nehru Zoological Park. The steel chains caused deep wounds on their legs that needed constant treatment. Now, the three elephants are free. They no longer return to the holding pens at night but roam the open enclosure without restraint.

Adapting to freedom

“When we stopped chaining them, they would still wait at the gate, not realising that the practice had ended. It took time for them to understand they were free,” said Dr Sunil Hiremath, director of zoos, Telangana. Keepers Md Ahmed and Md Haji said the decision was life-changing. “Just like in the forest, we let them free,” Ahmed said. Haji added, “They are happier now, roaming and eating well.” The elephants now take morning walks and stop by the animal hospital for treats before exploring the enclosure.

Treatment for Asha

Of the three, Asha suffered the worst injuries. Help came from Steve Koyle of Elephant Care Unchained in Arizona and veterinarians from an elephant rescue centre in Karnataka. Years of confinement had also led to arthritis and ingrown nails. “They no longer face such problems as they walk more,” Dr Hiremath said. The Mir Alam Tank bund inside the enclosure has become their resting spot. “They lie on the mud bank and sleep peacefully,” he added.

Vijay still restricted

However, Vijay, the lone male elephant at the zoo, remains under restricted movement. In 2023, he caused the death of a keeper. “He is well-behaved now, but considering his past, he is only taken out for regular walks,” Dr Hiremath said. Nehru Zoo is among the few in India where elephants live without night-time chains.