Muthu Raja’s Tale of Redemption
In the complex world of diplomatic tensions and international relations, it’s sometimes easy to forget that our actions reflect the same patterns on a smaller scale. One story that sheds light on this connection is the journey of Muthu Raja (translated Pearly King in English) an elephant caught in the midst of diplomatic spats and animal welfare concerns.
Back in 2001, the Thai royal family gifted Muthu Raja, a majestic 4,000kg pachyderm, along with two other elephants, to the Sri Lankan government. The intention was noble — to train these magnificent creatures as carriers of religious relics. Little did anyone know that Muthu Raja’s fate would take a distressing turn, leading to allegations of torture and neglect.
Sri Lanka-based activist group Rally for Animal Rights and Environment (RARE) tirelessly campaigned for justice. But according to them, nothing was done, which is strange because as in Thailand, Elephants are considered sacred in Sri Lanka and even protected by law. Frustrated by the lack of action, they reached out to the Thai government, the source of their neglected gift. Bangkok swiftly responded.
Last year, Muthu Raja was rescued from a Buddhist temple. Covered in painful abscesses, thinning foot pads, and a stiff left foreleg, he found it difficult to walk and stand. The elephant’s plight stirred the hearts of Thais and animal activists worldwide.
On Monday, the arduous journey to move Muthu Raja to his home country began. The elephant, now 29 years old, embarked on a specially-built steel cage, accompanied by four Thai handlers and a Sri Lankan zookeeper. In a country where the GDP per capita is barely $7,000, the Thai government said at least $540,000 was spent for the animal’s repatriation back to its country of origin.
Upon landing in Thailand, the elephant was received with great care and compassion. Thai Environment Minister personally offered Muthu Raja a drink, ensuring its well-being after the long journey. The condition of the elephant was reported to be perfect, a testament to the efforts invested in its repatriation.
Even though Sri Lanka’s prime minister has formally apologized to the Thai king, Thailand has vowed not to send its elephants out as gifts again and has promised to start looking into the ones already sent out for cases of maltreatment.
