On the Andaman island of Havelock, Rajan is a bit of a star. Actually,a big star. For, he is probably India's only ocean-swimming elephant.
When elephants were transported to the Andamans to assist with logging operations, some adapted rather remarkably to their new environment. They took to the ocean, swimming between the islands in water over 100m deep. Logging operations have ceased but the elephant remain. And Rajan is the last of the swimmers.
Recently, Rajan's owners decided to put him to work in Kerala. Instead of enjoying a well-deserved retirement- Rajan just turned 58-he would have been subjected to the grueling schedule of an elephant camp. The Barefoot Resort, Havelock, which often invites Rajan to swim with their guests, swung into action. They invited donations, then dipped into their own coffers and took on loans to raise the Rs 24 lakh needed to buy him off. Transfer of Rajan's ownership papers to Barefoot is now pending approval of the local Forest Department. Under his mew masters, may Rajan swim the warm seas to the end of his days? If you'd like to swim with him too, just contact Barefoot (03192-236008, www.barefootindia.com). There's a $1,000 donation for a group of up to eight people to join him for a 30-minute swim. Small price for the plunge of a lifetime, and all proceeds go towards retiring loans taken by the Save Rajan Fund!
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