Having raised them from birth it is not surprising that landowner Akhtar Imam, from Bihar, in the eastern part of India, would want to provide for his elephants after his death. Although his wife and children “are not entirely happy” with his decision to bequeath 6.2 acres of his homestead “worth Rs 5 crore“, (approx. $654,343.20 United States Dollars) to 20 year old Moti (meaning: pearl), & 15 year old Rani (meaning: queen), these elephants are very special to him. One time Moti even saved his life. Imam, age 50, just wants to ensure that if he is not there to care for them for the rest of their lives someone else will.

Akhtar Imam’s elephant foundation is Asian Elephant Rehabilitation and Wildlife Animal Trust (AERWAT)

transcribed from AFP video: “How would you thank an elephant that saved your life? Akhtar Imam is leaving most of his land to his pet elephants in his will. ‘So many elephants are just estranged and dying. So many elephants are dying because of human greed, people are fighting to get their bones and their tusks and they end up starving and dying eventually. I have helped many elephants and I have sometimes even performed the last funeral rites for those that have died.’ The pair saved Imam from criminals who tried to kill him in his sleep. Moti and Rani are now set to receive 2.5 hectares (6.2 acres) of land something that Imam’s daughter and wife are not too happy about.”

Watch YouTube Video “Truncated will: India landowner bequeaths land to elephants | AFP” by AFP News Agency Channel

Image: by ANI rediff: Akhtar Imam Wills Property to His Pet Elephants

Resources: “Truncated will: India landowner bequeaths land to elephants” by AFP The Daily Mail / MailOnline, “Bihar man wills half of his property to 2 elephants” by ANI edited by Roshneesh Kmaneck

Note: Mr. Akhtar Imam seems very devoted to his elephants and his kindness to elephants shows in his deeds & his interviews but the ankus (with the mahout) and chains are no less distressing to see (visable in certain photos and videos).

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Image by ANI rediff Akhtar Imam Wills Property to His Pet Elephants