At 82, Ella is the oldest — and the wisest — elephant under Wildlife SOS’s care. She was rescued from experiencing a lifetime of begging at the age of 71, and yet, she found within herself the strength to trust and accept the love she finally began to receive. Ella’s present life at the Elephant Rehabilitation Centre (ERC) in Ban Santour, Haryana, is a testament to how compassionate care can warmly heal rescued animals. She is an inspiring figure for all at the centre, showing us how to live each day in a gentle rhythm.
Ella’s very walk speaks volumes. Measured and steady, it reflects how she was forced to tread on unnatural surfaces, which caused her limbs to wear down. In seven long decades of captivity, Ella witnessed the worst of days. She led a life of isolation, but after arriving at ERC, she has shown a remarkable readiness to explore friendship with her fellow elephants Erika, Lilly, and Jasmine.
On their walks together every evening, the three never leave Ella’s side. Knowing that the senior elephant takes a slower stroll, they intuitively adapt to her pace, often letting Ella take the lead so they can walk behind her in quiet respect. Once a matriarch and guide to the quartet, Ella has now gracefully stepped aside to let her steady comrade Erika embrace this role.
Ella and Erika’s companionship has evolved in the most touching of ways. With age came wisdom and faith to entrust Erika with leadership. Erika, in turn, has risen to the occasion with both confidence and compassion. Their connection remains profound, a heartwarming blend of mutual respect and lifelong loyalty. Whenever Erika greets Ella, it’s never without pause — she extends the loving touch of her trunk and a silent nod to the one who once led her.
Ella’s kindness extends far beyond her first friendship. When Lilly arrived at ERC in 2014, it was Ella who welcomed her first — gently, instinctively, and without hesitation. That single gesture spoke volumes, and that spirit of togetherness continues to echo through the centre to this day.
This year brought in a wonderful surprise for dear Ella. Along with Erika, Ella has completed 12 incredible years under the generous care of our team! A jubilant celebration took place to cheer for these beloved elephants. Their dedicated caregivers organised a special treat: a porridge cake topped with glistening caramelised dates, followed by a colourful feast of watermelons, juicy papayas, and bananas arranged in cheerful abundance. The delighted duo wasted no time in devouring their favourite fruits, their trunks moving in tandem as they enjoyed every bite. It was a joy to watch the two being equally lively, and a pleasure to hear them letting out happy trunk rumbles!
With her molars worn down and joints needing extra care, Ella’s routine has been gently adjusted to suit her. Her food is served chopped and soft, green fodder is finely cut to make chewing easier, and firm vegetables like pumpkin are often boiled till they become pulpy enough for her. That she eats wholeheartedly is pivotal knowledge while planning her diet chart.
Ella’s diet is supplemented with multivitamins, liver tonics, desi ghee (clarified butter), boiled black gram, and chyawanprash (Ayurvedic herbal jam) to strengthen her immune system and support the functions of her aging body. Feeding isn’t just nourishment, it’s a mindful activity for Ella — she savours each tender bite slowly, displaying a visible contentment. To help her stay cool and hydrated during summer, her meal plan includes ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution), along with juicy fruits like watermelons and cucumbers. Tragacanth gum or gond katira is given as geriatric support to aid sluggish digestion. During the winter, millet and jaggery are added to keep her strong and warm. Nutrition and nourishment based on her needs ensure that Ella’s health is nurtured all year round.
At ERC’s forested reserve, Ella lives in a naturally enriching environment. It offers her endless opportunities to engage with her surroundings. Whether it’s mud baths, peeling barks of trees, foraging for leaves, swimming in the pond, or breaking off branches — every day is filled with real-world stimulation that keeps her physically and mentally active. For Ella, these activities are unmissable parts of her routine, and she seems to have woven them seamlessly into her daily life. In this vast and lush facility, she thrives on the instinctual joy of being her natural self in the company of her near and dear elephants.
What’s extraordinary to witness is that Ella continues to invite a sense of reverence from her mini herd. She is always accompanied by the three, and one can notice their high regard for elderly Ella, who continues to be a mighty teacher of patience and kind-heartedness.
She is a living lesson in empathy, calmness, and dignity. Her peaceful demeanour reflects how deeply secure and content she is in the sanctuary she has made her home. Though time has softened the curve of her spine and aged her face, her spirit remains strong and her inner strength, unwavering.
She moves through each day with regality and elegance — enjoying slow strolls with pauses, brushing her trunk through leaves, or simply resting by the pond with eyes closed. Her caregivers recognise the bliss she finds in these little rituals, and play no part in interrupting them. The challenges of aging also include frequent bouts of fatigue, during which time, careful support with a focus on comfort is provided to Ella. In every detail of her day, Ella is surrounded by care that lets her thrive on her own terms.
As we honour Ella, we do so not just for the number of years she has lived, but for the resilience she has and the respect she commands as well. Her story is best narrated by the actions of her loving companions, who inspire us to treat our own elders with courtesy.
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Feature Image © Wildlife SOS/ Mradul Pathak
