Kumki elephants Suyambu (24) and Venkatesh (32) from Anamalai Tiger Reserve will be shifted to Chadivayal camp of Coimbatore Forest Division.
The two will replace kumkis Cheran (32) and John (27) of Chadivayal camp, who will be sent to Theppakkadu in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. Cheran and John were shifted from Theppakkadu to Chadivayal in April last year.
Forest Department officials said the decision to shift kumkis Cheran and John to the parent camp was taken after they were not found fit to be engaged in operations, mainly driving out wild elephants that strayed into human habitations. The kumkis will be transported in specially designed trucks.
A. S. Marimuthu, District Forest Officer, Pollachi forest division and Deputy Director of ATR, told The Hindu that the Chief Wildlife Warden has issued an order to shift Suyambu and Venkatesh to Chadivayal camp for operations to be carried out in Coimbatore Forest Division.
Both elephants are healthy, he said.
The Chief Wildlife Warden issued the order after veterinarians of the Department checked Suyambu and Venkatesh and found them fit.
Chinna Thambi
back in kraal
Elephant Chinna Thambi, recently released from the kraal (wooden enclosure) after training, was put back in the kraal at Varagaliyar elephant camp of ATR again following safety concerns.
Denying rumours that the elephant attacked a mahout’s helper, officials said that the move was part of elephant management. “The elephant was kept in chains near the kraal after the release. Following suggestions from the veterinarians, we removed a few wooden panels from one side of the kraal so that the elephant can seek shelter during rain. Also, the elephant will be safe from possible encounters with wild elephants that may enter the camp during monsoon,” said an official.
