Elephant cries after being unchained for the first time in 50 years

These incredible pictures show the moment an elephant who was held in chains and beaten and abused for fifty years cried as he was released to freedom.

Raju the elephant was left bleeding from spiked shackles and living on hand-outs from passing tourists after he was captured and tied up by his ‘owner’.

But, after 50 years of torture, the animal cried tears of relief after he was rescued by a wildlife charity in a daring midnight operation – fittingly on American Independence Day.

BigAndy9 wrote:It's unlikely the elephant cried because it was set free.

Sorry.

Nice story though.

eddie wrote:I'm sure I read somewhere that only humans cry tears?

RAJU the elephant who stole the world’s heart when he was seen crying when shown freedom after 50 years of brutal treatment has been introduced to his new family in a truly magical moment.

This week footage of the male elephant went viral after he was released from the captivity in Uttar Pradesh in India and now it looks like the brave bull might get a happy ending.

Raju was today introduced to Phoolkali, the first member of what will be his new elephant family. The two met for the first time and enjoyed a meal together. Eventually they will run free within the conservation area and become a herd.

Phoolkali, meaning blooming flower, was also a rescued “begging elephant”, saved by Wildlife SOS two years ago.

It too was a dramatic rescue as the owners would not let her go and forceful action had to be taken. She had a huge abscess, caused from many beatings, on her head that took many months to heal.

eddie wrote:But are animals crying through emotion?
That's my point.

BigAndy9 wrote:

eddie wrote:But are animals crying through emotion?
That's my point.

Water coming from the eyes does not mean an animal is crying.

Fly down a hill on a bike on a cold morning shortly after waking up - you'll see!    ::D:: 

eddie wrote:

BigAndy9 wrote:


Water coming from the eyes does not mean an animal is crying.

Fly down a hill on a bike on a cold morning shortly after waking up - you'll see!    ::D:: 

Well that was kinda my point actually. Are they "tears" of emotion? Or just a reflex of something?

gerber wrote:My instinct is from past ducation Elephants can cry so maybe pure relief..........

Wonderful post.

gerber wrote:My instinct is from past ducation Elephants can cry so maybe pure relief..........

Joy Division wrote:

BigAndy9 wrote:
It's unlikely the elephant cried because it was set free.

Sorry.

Nice story though.

Who knows Andy? They have feelings too.

gerber wrote:
My instinct is from past ducation Elephants can cry so maybe pure relief..........

Wonderful post.

Lone Wolf wrote:

gerber wrote:
My instinct is from past ducation Elephants can cry so maybe pure relief..........

Wonderful post.

  

Humans don't have "instincts".   Gerbils, however..

WAS that "education" or "deduction", on your part ?

WHERE is your actual evidence that "Elephants can cry", Ms. gerbil ?

HOW do you know that an elephant feels "pure relief" ? What would impure relief then feel like ?    

Lone Wolf wrote:

Joy Division wrote:

Who knows Andy? They have feelings too.

  

IT doesn't take feelings to cry...

IT does take tear ducts..

HAS anybody here yet inquired as to whether elephants do have those requisite tear ducts ???  

BigAndy9 wrote:

Lone Wolf wrote:
  

IT doesn't take feelings to cry...

IT does take tear ducts..

HAS anybody here yet inquired as to whether elephants do have those requisite tear ducts ???  

I'm gonna ask one next time i'm at the zoo.

You never know, they may be able to speak too - we just haven't heard them yet.

The liberal do-gooders would be elated!

Original Quill wrote:

BigAndy9 wrote:


I'm gonna ask one next time i'm at the zoo.

You never know, they may be able to speak too - we just haven't heard them yet.

The liberal do-gooders would be elated!

If we get the chance, andy.  Tories are carving little ivory trinkets as we speak.  Money maker, you see?

BigAndy9 wrote:

Original Quill wrote:

If we get the chance, andy.  Tories are carving little ivory trinkets as we speak.  Money maker, you see?

Trinkets?

Ewww, how council!

I'm sure a true Tory like Didge would have the full head hanging on  his bedsit wall!