Something wonderful and unprecedented happened on November 22,2003. For those of you who followed Tina's journey to the sanctuary, you may remember mention of a man who has abused elephants for many years, John Cuneo/Hawthorn Corporation. He owns Lota and Delhi and people have been lobbying the US Gov't to seize them for a long time.Well, here is what happened:

"Saturday, Nov. 22, 2003

At 10 am, the USDA entered the property of John Cuneo, owner of Hawthorn Corporation, to confiscate Delhi. Three veteran elephant handlers were brought in by the agency to ensure that Delhi was safely loaded into the transport trailer supplied by the Elephant Sanctuary. Two elephant handlers actively handled Delhi while the third handler was available as back up. Everyone—handlers, vets, agency officials and others, all worked together in a successful effort to help Delhi. The two handlers that were responsible for physically moving Delhi did a skillful job making sure that Delhi was not traumatized during what could have been a very stressful situation. Delhi’s owner was on grounds but would not allow keepers familiar with Delhi to assist with her loading. After recognizing that Delhi was resistant to stepping up into the trailer, Dr. Ramsay, who had been brought in by USDA as a consultant, suggested parking the trailer in a location where there was a slight ditch which would lower the back of the trailer, making it easier for Delhi to enter the trailer. Delhi’s team which included three elephant handlers, vets and USDA officials, determined it would be most humane to tether Delhi by one leg to prevent her from retreating. This worked like a charm. At no time was Delhi pulled or forced into the trailer; she was simply encouraged and she responded. At 2:45pm CT,Delhi left the Hawthorn Corporation property and set off for her journey to the Elephant Sanctuary. Many thanks go to the kind and compassionate handlers, vets and officials who participated in Delhi’s move."

Delhi is free at last with 50+ years of abuse and torture now behind her! To read more about her story go to: http://www.elephants.com/delhi/delhi_diary.htm

The power of people is truly amazing!
And now it is poor Lota's turn..............