"This story is dedicated to the elephant calf we met in heart-wrenching conditions. We couldn't help, but this story is for you, Ganesha (a name we've given you). You deserve freedom."

Chapter 1: Pride or Shame!

Made of leather or elephant's teeth - hearing this, we pay loads of money with pride and show off. Are we truly this blind? That we can't even see the pain of voiceless creatures. Are we truly so materialistic that we've forgotten our humanity?"

The motive behind writing this article is to save elephants. Animals are an integral part of nature, meant to roam freely, and deserve to live in their natural habitats. They shouldn't be killed or exploited for mere home decorations & fashion accessories. Let's keep our humanity alive and show empathy towards these magnificent creatures.

This article is also a tribute to an elephant, inspired by our memorable road trip from North to South India by car with our family in May 2023.

As we set out on our journey to Kerala, my family and I were bursting with excitement. We had heard tales of the majestic elephants that roamed the land, and our hearts were set on meeting a baby elephant, a calf, up close. We had seen pictures, watched documentaries, and read stories about these gentle giants. We couldn't wait to witness their grandeur firsthand.

The scenic landscapes of Kerala unfolded before us like a canvas of emerald green and blue sky. We chatted enthusiastically, our anticipation growing with each passing mile. Finally, we arrived at the zoo, our eyes scanning the premises for a glimpse of our new furry friend.

As we turned a corner, we spotted the elephant enclosure. Our hearts skipped a beat as we saw the calf, its large ears flapping in the breeze. But our joy was short-lived. The calf was standing alone, its eyes pleading for something. We soon realized that it was thirsty, its little trunk searching for milk or water.

Where was its mother? We looked around, but there was no sign of her. That's when we observed the signs around the enclosure – "Elephant Show" – and the cruel reality dawned on us. The calf was being used for entertainment purposes, forced to perform tricks for food.

The calf was made to bow down, its trunk held high in a pleading gesture. The crowd clapped and cheered, and captured photographs. But we felt a pang of sadness. This little one was suffering, looking for her mother, tied with a chain, and we couldn't bear it, nor afford to save her. We were helpless.

As we watched, a wave of emotions washed over us. How could humans be so heartless? Did they not know that elephants are social creatures that thrive on family bonds? The calf's eyes seemed to echo the question: "Where is my mother?" It was heart heart-wrenching moment for us.

We decided to visit the zoo's art gallery to learn more about the zoo. They were selling products made from elephant tusks. The storekeeper, noticing our interest, approached us and shared some fascinating facts. 'Elephants are highly social animals,' she said. 'They live in matriarchal herds, led by the oldest female. They have strong family bonds and communicate with each other through a range of sounds and body language.

Her words brought back memories of the calf and its mother. We realized that by keeping them apart, the zoo was disrupting their natural behavior and causing them immense stress.

Chapter 2: Hats off to Animal Welfare

We discovered that there were many organizations working tirelessly to protect elephants and other animals from exploitation. We decided to support one such organization, donating to their cause and spreading awareness about their work.

We contacted an animal welfare organization and reported the incident. We also spread awareness about the plight of the calf on social media, hoping to reach the right people.

Days turned into weeks, and we didn't receive any relevant updates. Moreover, I heard it's common in South India. I don't know how many people will read this article, but writing for the voiceless isn't a waste. I pray and urge people to protect animals and adopt a vegetarian lifestyle. They deserve to live; don't take their lives before they naturally die. Let them live.

I have immense hope that all zoo authorities will take steps to improve the living conditions of the elephants, including reuniting the calf with its mother. We will be overjoyed; our hearts are full of hope.

The experience left an intense mark on our hearts. We realized that even small actions can lead to significant changes. We vowed to continue spreading awareness about animal welfare and to support organizations that work tirelessly to protect these incredible creatures. As we left the zoo, we knew that we would never forget the elephant calf and its mother. Their story would stay with us forever, a reminder of our responsibility towards fellow beings.

As we walked out of the zoo, we couldn't stop talking about the experience. We were all deeply affected by what we had witnessed. The calf's pleading eyes, missing the mother's gentle touch, and the desperation in their actions – it was etched in our minds forever.

As we prepared to leave Kerala, we couldn't help but wonder about the calf's fate. Had it adjusted to being reunited with its mother? Was it thriving in its new environment? We made a mental note to follow up with the zoo and the animal welfare organization to ensure the calf was being well taken care of.

The journey back home was quiet, each of us lost in our thoughts. But we knew that we would return, and next time, we would come prepared to help, to make a difference. The calf's eyes would haunt us no more.

The journey back home was a reflective one. We realized that our actions, no matter how small, could make a significant difference in the lives of animals. We felt a sense of responsibility, knowing that we had a voice and a platform to raise awareness about important issues.

As we settled back into our daily routine, we noticed a change within ourselves. We were more mindful of the impact of our actions on animals and the environment. We made conscious choices to reduce our carbon footprint, choose cruelty-free products.

We continued to spread awareness, inspiring others to join the cause. Our small actions sparked a ripple effect, bringing about a wave of change. The elephant calf's story became a beacon of hope, reminding us that compassion can transform lives.

"Note - I'd like to take this opportunity to thank vegan individuals and animal welfare organizations who tirelessly advocate for the voiceless."

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