Wild elephant Arisi Raja, which was captured from Arthanaripalayam near Pollachi on November 14, has started accepting hand-fed food in captivity, said a senior official of Anamalai Tiger Reserve (ATR).
A.S. Marimuthu, Deputy Field Director of ATR and District Forest Officer of Pollachi Forest Division, told The Hindu on Wednesday that the elephant, aged around 20, started accepting hand-fed food from the fifth day in the kraal (wooden enclosure) at Varagaliar near Topslip.
“The elephant was naturally aggressive in the first two-three days in the kraal. Now it is accepting hand-fed food like sugarcane and forest fodder from trainers. Accepting hand-fed food means that the elephant is getting accustomed to the new environment,” said Mr. Marimuthu, who inspected the kraal at Varagaliar.
Mr. Marimuth said the handlers assigned for the elephant have also started using basic commands to train the elephant.
The mahout and kavadi (assistant to mahout) will condition the elephant to obey 48 basic commands and their combinations when it is kept in captivity.
According to the official, forest veterinary officers are constantly monitoring the elephant and its health.
The elephant's diet in the kraal includes boiled rice, ragi, jaggery, sugarcane, coconut, fruits, salt, health supplements, plenty of forest fodder and water.
The elephant got the name “Arisi Raja” for its habit of stealing rice from houses and shops, before it was captured.
