Art
Raju the Elephant - Original
- Item Number
- 132
- Estimated Value
- 50 USD
- Sold
- 20 USD to tbed3b771
- Number of Bids
- 1 - Bid History
Item Description
Raju the Elephant - 5th Anniversary Commemoration, by Belinda Stewart
For 50 long years, Raju’s life was filled with pain and loneliness, but this charming image celebrates the total joy of his 5 years of peace in sanctuary. Original watercolor and ink, 8" x 10" matted size, ready for framing.
Raju's Story: Torn away from his mother and family as a young calf, Raju spent decades working as a begging elephant on the streets of Uttar Pradesh, India.
Every day, Raju’s owner would sit on his back and trek him along the hot asphalt streets to drum up tips. A chain and spiked shackle continuously cut into his leg to keep him from running away. His body was covered in cuts and scars from being beaten with a bullhook, a sharp metal spear used to “train” elephants. His only food was scraps thrown to him by passersby.
In July 2014, rescuers with Wildlife SOS were able to put an end to his misery for good. They had finally received a court order to win his custody, officially marking his new beginning.
As they set Raju free from his chains and shackles, tears began to fall from his exhausted eyes. Life was finally getting better — after all that time.
Artist Belinda Stewart lives in St Augustine, Florida. She works in all mediums but favors watercolors. She studied in private classes with famed watercolorist Mun Quan and art classes at Jacksonville University.
Item Special Note
WINNING BIDDER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR SHIPPING COSTS. ITEMS CANNOT BE SHIPPED OUTSIDE THE U.S. AND CANADA.
“Please note that for tax purposes this item has a fair market value of $50USD and is available as part of the charitable auction. Amounts donated above the market value of this item may be eligible for a tax receipt.”
Donated By:
Wendy Marcus Minovitz
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