A disturbing new video has emerged showing the Madhuri Elephant attacking a man during a religious procession, raising fresh concerns about her welfare as the Jain Math seeks to parade her in public events. The footage, captured on 13 May 2022, shows Madhuri being provoked and beaten while individuals ride on her back, highlighting the extreme stress and pain she experiences during such rituals.
The issue arose following a petition by the Jain Math – Swastishri Jinsen Bhattarak Pattacharya Mahaswami Sansthan Math (Karvir) – seeking permission to recall Madhuri, also known as Mahadevi, from Vantara’s Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (RKTEWT) rehabilitation center in Jamnagar. The Math requested to use her in month-long processions in Nandani village, despite Madhuri’s documented chronic health conditions.
PETA India responded to the petition by submitting the video evidence to the Supreme Court-appointed High-Powered Committee (HPC) and the Chief Wildlife Warden of Maharashtra. The footage vividly shows Madhuri’s reaction to repeated prodding and abuse during the procession, underscoring her distress. Experts have previously highlighted her severe arthritis and other painful ailments, making such public use highly dangerous and inhumane.
Madhuri Elephant’s Rescue and Rehabilitation
The 36-year-old Madhuri Elephant arrived at RKTEWT in Jamnagar on 30 July 2025 after spending 33 years in isolation and chains. This move followed a Supreme Court ruling on 28 July 2025, upholding a Bombay High Court order to provide relief to Madhuri due to her deteriorating health and psychological suffering. Her transfer marked a long-overdue opportunity for her to live in a safe and supportive environment.
Unfortunately, the Math refused to release Madhuri peacefully, inciting local unrest. Hundreds of rocks were hurled at police, PETA India staff, and RKTEWT personnel, leading to property damage, injuries, and a serious rib injury to a PETA staff member.
At the Math, Madhuri had endured years of physical pain due to standing on hard concrete surfaces, alongside psychological distress caused by loneliness. She was often paraded through loud processions and controlled using weapons like the ankush (hooked iron rod), which caused further suffering.
Chronic Health Issues and Psychological Trauma
The Madhuri Elephant has endured decades of physical and emotional torment. Her medical history, documented by HPC-appointed sub-committees and independent veterinarians, shows multiple chronic conditions, including:
| Health Condition | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage 4 Arthritis | Severe joint inflammation causing constant pain |
| Foot Rot | Degenerative infection requiring specialized care |
| Overgrown Nails & Cracked Footpads | Leading to chronic discomfort |
| Fractures in Small Foot Bones | Likely due to years of standing on hard surfaces |
| Lesions & Wounds | On forefeet showing long-term inflammation |
| Stereotypic Behaviour | Repetitive swaying and head bobbing due to isolation |
Experts note that Madhuri’s prolonged solitary confinement and deprivation of social interaction have resulted in significant psychological distress, with repeated attacks on humans as expressions of fear and frustration. In 2017, Madhuri tragically killed the Chief Priest of the Math after being provoked, reflecting her long-term suffering.
Sanctuary Life and Emotional Bonds
At RKTEWT, Madhuri has formed an emotional bond with another rescued elephant, experiencing companionship for the first time in decades. Her life at the sanctuary allows her to receive specialized veterinary care, mental stimulation, and protection from abusive practices. Despite these improvements, the Math continues to demand her return for public processions, which would subject her to further trauma.
Also read: Vantara India: Inside the World’s Largest Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center
Alternatives and Humane Solutions
Both PETA India and the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organizations (FIAPO) have offered mechanical elephants to the Jain Math for rituals. These mechanical alternatives allow temples to continue their traditions without endangering the welfare of living elephants. Notably, the Thousand Pillars Jain Temple in Karnataka recently became the first Jain temple to adopt a mechanical elephant, setting a global precedent.
Advocates urge the Chief Minister and Forest Minister of Maharashtra to ensure Madhuri remains at the sanctuary. They also call on the Jain Math to accept mechanical elephants for processions, safeguarding both human and animal welfare.
The ongoing situation underscores the urgent need for compassionate treatment of captive elephants, highlighting the consequences of decades-long neglect and the importance of rehabilitation over exploitation. The story of the Madhuri Elephant serves as a critical reminder of the ethical responsibilities humans have toward sentient beings used in religious and cultural practices.
