Death of another elephant raises eyebrows

DHNS

Madikeri, 30 June 2010: Not everything is rosy in Dubare elephant camp. This has been proved by untimely death of elephants in the camp. Dubare camp was started to tame the elephants that are caught in forest four decades ago. In fact, it is one of the largest elephant camps in Karnataka. 

 
Unfortunately, as the years pass by, the number of elephants are on decline in the camp. At present, the camp has 18 elephants.

Last month, elephant Vijaya was killed in fight with wild elephants. Later, a calf went missing which was later found dead. Now, Lambodara died of diarrhoea. The condition of Lakshmana which was injured in its leg is also bad.

Some are alleging that tamed elephants are used for entertainment of the tourists and mahouts are not taking care of its needs. There is a need for three personnel including mahouts, kavadiga and an assistant to take care of one elephant. There is a shortage of personnel to take care of 18 elephants. The mahouts and Kavadigas send the elephants to the forest for grazing. While leaving the elephants in the forest, their legs will be tied in a chain. It is not possible for the mahouts and kavadigas to be present with the elephants all the time. Sometimes, they miss the route and invite dangers to themselves. There are instances of elephants being killed during fight with wild elephants, consuming poisonous food, or sudden attack.

As the government and the forest department has ‘forgotten’ its duty of the welfare of mahouts and kavadigas, its imapct is seen on the tamed elephants.

It is not easy to take care of 18 elephants. There are allegations that Mahouts and Kavadigas are not given even the basic facilities except during Dasara utsav. There are also allegations that the care given to the elephants in the camp are not on scientific basis.

Moreover, Kodagu does not have suitable doctors to treat the wild animals. In case of an emergency, doctor has to come from Hunsoor. The delay in getting treatment is also one major problem for delay in recovery. With the concept of elephant safari, wild animals are being ill treated.

Even forest department is finding it difficult to take care of 18 elephants in the camp, it is said. The transfer of forest officials is also one of the unscientific methods followed in the camp, feel public.