Injured and abandoned, Bijlee the elephant needs your help

By Shormistha Mukherjee This is Mumbai. About 20 million people live here. So this morning, when we go to see the elephant that been lying injured and battling for its life for over four days, we’re expecting at least twenty people. [caption id=“attachment_877917” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Bijlee the elephant lying helpless in Mulund.[/caption] Nada. There are four people there. This elephant’s been made to beg, entertain, walk to weddings for over 50 years. This elephant is beautiful. And in so much pain. She’s been abused and overworked. She’s got wounds on her legs, and maggots eating into those wounds. Her eyes are closed. She eats when the pain isn’t too much. And she keeps trying to get up, but just can’t. This elephant will die. And not just because her owners didn’t care. But because we didn’t care. So what can you do: Animals Matter To Me, an NGO that works for animals, has written consent from the owners, stating that the elephant will now be under the care of AMTM for the next 4 months. But ATMM needs the following things: 1. A vet with knowledge of treating injured elephants. From any part of the country. A contact number, a lead or any information would help. 2. Someone who can help transport Bijlee to the Animal Hospital in Parel. A crane has been coming in every day. But she’s too weak to stand, and the ropes are not being able to hold her up. A specialized crew who has some idea of transporting large animals would help. Again, any information, any leads would help. 3. Volunteers. Today there were 5 people there. And they need help, to run around, to put pressure on the system, to mobilize support, to organize food, to find vets…you get the drift. Please come. If we have 50,000 people there, we can create a noise and put pressure on the system. Hopefully, some politician or even the state government will come forward. 4. Donate: Generously. Bijlee needs food and medicines. Every little bit you can contribute will help save this magnificent creature. And I believe you get a tax exemption. Even more reason to donate. It’s raining. They are trying to build a shed. In the meantime she’s covered with black tarpaulin, so her wounds don’t get worse. If she dies, shame on every one of us. If we can’t save one elephant, how will we save our city, our forests, our rivers, our mountains. Please help. Mail at ganesh@amtmindia.org YOUR CONTRIBUTION: You can send proceeds in favour of “Animals Matter To Me, Mumbai” to: AMTM Mumbai, B601, Shyam Nagar, Blue meadows Off JVLR, Behind Majas depot, Jogeshwari (East)- Mumbai 400060 Landmark - Ganpati Mandir Lane. Online fund transfers can be done to our saving bank account (SB a/c) in the name of: “Animals Matter to Me, Mumbai” SB Account number - 911010036376599 IFSC/RTGS Code: UTIB0000395 Axis Bank, MIDC branch, Andheri(E), Mumbai-400 093 All donations are tax exempted under section 80G Income Tax act Receipts will be couriered Call Ganesh at 9819380310 Shormistha at 9820884062 Parag at 9867303540