This is Raju from India. For 50 years he was held in chains, beaten and abused by his 'owner'. He was also left bleeding from spiked shackles and living on hand-outs, including plastics and papers from passing tourist as food. His cruel 'owner' even tore out the hair from his tail to sell as good luck charms.

Thankfully, a team from North London charity Wildlife SOS travelled to India to free this poor animal. This rescue operation took place at midnight where fewer people would be around for the dangerous mission.

Wildlife SOS was alerted a year ago about Raju by the Uttar Pradesh Forest Department in India. Raju's 'onwer' did not have any legal documents for his possession which allowed the confistication process pass through the courts.

It didn't went as smooth sailing as expected. Raju's 'owner' tried to pervent the rescue by shouting commands to terrify and provoke Raju. The 'handler' even put and extra series of chains around Raju's legs that were so vicously tight and cutting into his legs. The rescue team stood their ground and did not back down, this was when tears began shed from Raju's face.

“It was as if he know we wanted to help him... We all had tears in our eyes as the last rope which held the final spike was cut and Raju took his first step of freedom.” said Kartick Satyanarayan, founder of Wildlife SOS who led the operation.

Raju now receives emergency medical attention and proper care from Elephant Conservation and Care Centre at Mathura, 350 miles away from his previous tortureville.

The charity has now launched a campaign to raise £10,000 to help Raju begin the start of his new life. To donate, visit www.wildlifesos.org.

(Content source: Dailymail UK, Buzzfeed) (Images from Press People)

About Author JQ Lee talks and writes for a living. That's because she loves sharing interesting things to the world. With a Degree in Communication and Media Management, this petite Gen-Y will not stop chasing her passion in writing and broadcasting. She dreams to host a travel show and be a radio announcer someday, hopefully soon. Stalk this wacky fair Asian girl at www.jqtalks.com, Instagram and Twitter (@jqleejq)