The Beatles legend and actress Pamela Stephenson also pleaded with him to the Indian forest minister Dr Patangrao Kadam for the animal's release.

It was revealed yesterday that 13-year-old elephant “Sunder” will be rescued from his hut in Indian Maharashtra district and moved to a wildlife centre.

“I have seen photographs of young Sunder; the elephant kept alone in a shed at a temple and put in chains with spikes, years of his life have been ruined by keeping him and abusing him in this way,” Sir McCartney had written in a letter.

“Enough is enough. Get Sunder out,” he added.

The “Hey Jude” singer is used to writing notes to express his opinion and use it as a force
for change.