Jumbo feast at Dudhwa national park

In a first, elephants at Dudhwa National Park enjoyed a ‘jumbo feast’ on Monday, having a meal of their choice.

“We have 22 tuskers and decided to make it a special day for them, with a meal of their choice,” said Mahavir Kojilangi, deputy director, Dudhwa Tiger Reserve , home to many majestic animals.

Prior to the feast, the elephants underwent a health check-up by a team of experts from Assam and World Wildlife Federation (WWF). The elephants were also vaccinated to protect them from various diseases. “Such health check-up is routine but not the feast that was specially organised for the jumbos,” said Mahavir, adding “It was a sort of rejuvenation for the elephants.”

A special colourful camp was made for the elephants and they were also decorated for the party. The tuskers sported garlands and their trunks too were decorated to make them look better for the party. The national park staff took all care to select what jumbos like to have. Cucumber, banana, pineapple, watermelon and bottle gourd were on the platter for the big animals, being offered in sufficient quantity to each of them.

“We made it a point to not restrict them from eating, hence, all elephants had ate as much as they liked in the feast,” said Mahavir.

The staff too enjoyed the party and captured the decorated elephants on cell phone cameras. Some fed them by hand and some even clicked selfies. Overall, it was a day to remember., both for the tuskers and the staff.