Chanchal means playful. True to her name, Chanchal is a spirited elephant living along India's Yamuna River. Tragically, a traumatic eye injury blinded her right side. Chanchal is just 42 with half of her life ahead, but her caretakers cannot afford preventative or restorative eye care. Without treatment, Chanchal will suffer a dangerous life as a partially blind elephant working in New Delhi's crowded roads. By donating, you will ensure Chanchal and elephants like her receive critical eye care.
Many captive elephants working in the chaotic streets of India suffer from blindness due to cataracts. This is dangerous, as they cannot see oncoming traffic. They become dependent on their handlers, and are at a greater risk of colliding with one of the millions of cars on city streets. Chanchal and elephants like her live in fright of what they cannot see. Those caring for Chanchal love her like family, and despite financial limitations desperately want her to see again. She needs your help.
A veterinarian is able to treat Chanchal's condition and provide vital and pioneering cataract surgeries for other suffering elephants. With your support, WTI will distribute funds required for this care. Treatments will prevent Chanchal from losing sight in her other eye, and restore the vision of other blind captive elephants. These elephants will live with more independence, no longer a threat to or in danger of what they cannot see.
Chanchal is not alone. Many captive elephants in India suffer from cataracts impairing their vision and reducing wellbeing. India's Forest Department has provided the names of seven other elephants in immediate need of treatment. Restoring their sight is one step towards enhancing the welfare of captive elephants. While Chanchal has a loving human family, many captive elephants do not. Decreasing their risks and fears is a tangible way to improve a tragic situation. Let us help them see again.
