This auction items is an original oil painting of Lakshmi, one of the elephants at the Wildlife SOS Elephant Rescue Center in Mathura. Lakshmi, in Hindu mythology, is the goddess of wealth. Sweet Lakshmi was a begging elephant, and was only given sweets and fried street food from tourists. As a result, she became quite obese. When Wildlife SOS rescued her, she couldn't even get in the truck because of her weight.

At Wildlife SOS Lakshmi has a healthy diet, and she is a happy girl enjoying the freedom of the sanctuary. Her nickname at the sanctuary is "Little Dumpling."

If you would like to read about Lakshmi, please visit:

http://wildlifesos.org/blog/a-new-life-for-lakshmi/