Raju the elephant that wept: true story of Raju the elephant

Dedicated to Raju, the elephant who stole our hearts when he wept during his rescue. Days and nights pass in agony for Raju the elephant. He is the sweetest creature who roves the streets performing his act, like so many other circus animals, so that his masters can make money. At night, chained behind a shed, next to a small tree, he travels in his imagination. Only Rosie, a beautiful bird with melodious voice, keeps him company. Rosie is Raju’s only companion. In the evening, Rosie brings water from the river, mixes it with soil and turns it into thick clay to smear on Raju’s feet, to heal them. She is his dream, his wind, his hope for freedom. Rosie is freedom. Who says that animals can’t feel? Who says that animals can’t sense? Who says that animals can be abused? Who has given people the right to do that? So, who will help Raju? Will he manage to live free? What will happen when his master discovers his escape plan? Will Raju follow the advice he once read? Unhappy is he who waits for someone else to give him happiness. If he doesn’t take his life into his own hands, nothing will change.