READ: An Emotional Tribute To Madhuri, The Elephant Who Made Kolhapur Cry; Why #BringBackMadhuri Is Trending

Madhuri is a female elephant, previously housed at Nandani near Kolhapur. She grew up in a Jain math of Nandani, Kolhapur since the age of 3, making citizens fond of her. In a landmark decision for animal welfare, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India upheld the Bombay High Court’s order directing the rehabilitation of Mahadevi, a female elephant, to Vantara’s Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust in Jamnagar, Gujarat. This verdict came after years of Mahadevi enduring physical and psychological distress while being kept on a concrete floor since the age of three.

Battle for Madhuri's freedom ends in her health's favour

The case gained national attention after People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India raised serious concerns about Mahadevi’s health with the Maharashtra Forest Department and the Supreme Court-appointed High-Powered Committee (HPC). Their plea revealed that Mahadevi was suffering from chronic arthritis, foot rot, and overgrown nails-painful conditions linked to years of confinement on hard surfaces.

Despite an appeal filed by the Jain Math, which had long kept the elephant in its custody, the Supreme Court dismissed their claim on 28 July 2025, stressing that the elephant’s welfare must come first. The Apex Court further instructed that Mahadevi's transfer to the sanctuary should ensure her maximum comfort during transportation.

A new beginning at Vantara

Vantara’s Radhe Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust is renowned for offering rescued elephants a chance to live chain-free among their own kind. At this sanctuary, Mahadevi will finally experience companionship and specialized veterinary care, including hydrotherapy, designed to treat her arthritic condition and improve mobility.

PETA India’s Director of Advocacy Projects, Khushboo Gupta, hailed the decision stating, “Elephants are emotional, intelligent beings who deserve freedom and family. We are grateful that the Supreme Court acknowledged Mahadevi’s right to live with dignity.”

Citizens of Kolhapur write to Vantara to send Madhuri back

Massive rallies and farewell processions were carried out to bid goodbye to Madhuri. After Madhuri was taken to Vantara, several fans have written to to the animal rehabilitation centre to consider their pleas and send Madhuri back to where she belongs, her home.

People of Kolhapur penned an emotional note saying, "Madhuri is not just an elephant to us – she is family. For years, she lived in Nandani, Kolhapur, surrounded by people who loved and cared for her deeply. Her removal has left an emotional void in our hearts. We truly appreciate the care you are giving her. But her true home is in Kolhapur – among her people, her memories. We humbly request you to consider our emotions.
If you send her back, Kolhapur will remain forever grateful."

To support religious traditions without compromising animal welfare, both PETA India and the Federation of Indian Animal Protection Organisations (FIAPO) have offered to donate mechanical elephants to the Jain Math. These lifelike alternatives provide a humane and sustainable solution for temple ceremonies, ensuring that no living elephant suffers for human rituals.