After 50 years in captivity, Mohan’s appalling life as a beast of burden has been transformed. No longer is he forced to carry huge loads or show off his magnificent tusks at ceremonies. This Christmas Day, Mohan – the one-time “begging elephant” – is enjoying freedom and retirement under the watchful eye of Wildlife SOS, an existence far away from a life that left him suffering psychological trauma as well as countless scars and puncture wounds across his malnourished body.

Mohan was dubbed the World’s Unluckiest Elephant as conservationists battled for his release from a life of illegal captivity. In July, he was finally freed after a tense 20-hour standoff that saw wildlife campaigners and police wrestle him away from “anti-social elements” trying to sabotage the rescue. A district court had given police powers to seize Mohan from his illegal custody.

WILDLIFE SOS The joyful scenes that show how the world’s unluckiest elephant found all his Christmases at once

It is truly heart-warming to see Mohan taking his first steps towards the road to recovery Geeta Seshamani

Only when Mohan was finally freed were the full horrors of decades in captivity revealed. Vets who examined Mohan said he was in a “truly despicable condition as a result of constant torture and abuse”. Since arriving at Wildlife SOS’s Elephant Conservation and Care Centre in the city of Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, Mohan has continued to receive treatment but is adjusting to his new found freedom with other rescued elephants. As a special festive treat, the rescue centre gave him a Christmas surprise on his early morning walk: a stocking filled with his favourite tidbits hanging from a decorated tree.

WILDLIFE SOS Mohan’s appalling life as a beast of burden has been transformed

Christmas treats are just one of the many highlights flourished on Mohan. “It is truly heart-warming to see Mohan taking his first steps towards the road to recovery,” says Geeta Seshamani, co-founder Wildlife SOS. “He has recently developed a fondness for the elephant pool and he loves expressing his delight by splashing water. He enjoys taking dust baths and going on walks across the vast open fields at the centre.” Sadly, his former life as a begging elephant has left its scars and health issues.

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Dr Akshay Mohan, Wildlife SOS veterinarian, explained: “The terrible abuse faced by Mohan has had a detrimental effect on his health. His feet are in a terrible state and as part of his on-going treatment, we are giving him relaxing medicated footbaths every day, which not only helps ease the pain but also disinfects the wounds on his feet. This is accompanied by trimming of his cracked nails and overgrown cuticles.” For Mohan, it means that every day is effectively Christmas as he is lavished with care and attention.

WILDLIFE SOS Mohan – the one-time “begging elephant” – is enjoying freedom