These photographs are breaking my heart, but this 55-year-old elephant’s viral rescue also proves the power of photography

Rescue of Badsha Bahadur, a circus elephant, was transferred to the Bangladesh National Zoo in Mirpur after a video showing his deteriorating health circulated on social media. The elephant is now undergoing treatment and remains under close observation by veterinary specialists in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on 15 July 2026. Badsha Bahadur, the 55-year-old circus elephant, marks a welcome step towards better wildlife welfare. After a video showing his deteriorating health circulated on social media, authorities rescued him from Naogaon. She is expected to receive veterinary care, proper nutrition, and much-needed rest. According to officials, the elephant had an injured leg, a broken tusk with an infection, and an owner who could no longer afford the cost of his treatment and upkeep. (Photo by Zabed Hasnain Chowdhury/NurPhoto via Getty Images).

Triggered emotions are the sign of a successful photograph – and I was reminded of this when I stumbled across photographs of a 55-year-old circus elephant, Badsha Bahadur. The photographs of the now rescued elephant are heartbreaking to see, but also prove the power that photos, videos, and social media can play.

Videos of Badsha’s condition went viral on social media earlier this month – and it’s those videos that sparked a rescue for the aging animal. Authorities rescued the 55-year-old elephant from Naogaon, and the elephant is now undergoing treatment at the Bangladesh National Zoo.