WRRC has conducted extensive research on elephants in captivity and advocated for their welfare. Captive elephants used for tourist rides, weddings, and religious events suffer greatly. They endure harsh conditions, lack social interaction and proper stimuli, and are often torn from their families at a young age, living in constant fear. Approximately 2800-3000 such elephants exist in India. Following a 2005 assessment of elephants in Karnataka at the request of the High Court and Forest Department, WRRC became deeply involved in improving their lives through legal advocacy, rescues, and community outreach.

“Gods in Chains,” a book commissioned by the WRRC, aimed to address the dire living and training conditions of captive elephants by providing insights and solutions. The book exposed the often-desperate circumstances faced by these elephants across India, whether in private hands, temples, forest departments, zoos, or circuses.

This launch initiated a new phase in developing and implementing improved management and welfare standards for captive working elephants. Serving as a practical guide, “Gods in Chains” is intended for students, policymakers, animal welfare advocates, bureaucrats, and anyone interested in improving the lives of these animals, with whom humans share a long and profound connection. The WRRC publication “Gods in Chains,” received the Proggy Award from People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in 2005, recognizing it as the Social Cause Book of the Year.