Temple elephants’ 48-day break starts; friends unite
TNN | Dec 15, 2018, 10:58 IST
DECKED UP: Several elephants were decorated with garlands, some sported necklacesThe 11th annual rejuvenation camp organized by the state government for temple elephants began at Thekkampatti near Mettupalayam on Friday amid protest by farmers.
The number of elephants that came for the 48-day camp has dropped to 27 this year from 33 earlier.
One more elephant is expected to arrive shortly for the sojourn along the banks of River Bhavani, where they would be allowed to relax in the jungle environment with ample food and health support till January 30.
“The temple elephants would be given special care in the camp. We have arranged veterinary doctors to monitor the health of the elephants,” said municipal administration minister S P Velumani who along with forest minister Dindigul C Srinivasan and HR&CE minister Sevvoor S Ramachandran inaugurated the camp.
B Ramu, mahout of 17-year-old Ramalakshmi from Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram, said the rejuvenation camp was of immense help to the gentle giants. “The camp helps temple elephants that are lonely throughout the year to enjoy with the herd,’’ he said.
In fact, the elephants were jubilant at the sight of their ilk after landing at the camp site and were seen caressing each other with their trunks. The mahouts had tough time keeping the ‘friends’ apart as they wanted the inaugural event to get over without any fuss.
The elephants were decorated with caparison, garlands and some with necklaces embossed with the name of its temple for the inaugural function.
“She is delighted to see all other elephants and has been making noises to show her affection,’’ Balakrishnan V, mahout of Gandhimathy from Gandhimathiamman Temple in Tirunelveli, said.
Forest department ranger, Mettupalayam, S Selvaraj said people need not worry about the threat of wild tuskers as they have a team of 40 forest officials to support the villagers.
Even as the elephants started arriving at the camp site near Mettupalayam, farmers staged a protest nearby opposing the camp.
Farmers alleged that the elephants at the camp might attract wild elephants from the forests which eventually damage crops. More than 30 people were arrested by the rural police for staging protest by tying up black flags.
By- Abbinaya Kuzhanthaivel
The number of elephants that came for the 48-day camp has dropped to 27 this year from 33 earlier.
One more elephant is expected to arrive shortly for the sojourn along the banks of River Bhavani, where they would be allowed to relax in the jungle environment with ample food and health support till January 30.
“The temple elephants would be given special care in the camp. We have arranged veterinary doctors to monitor the health of the elephants,” said municipal administration minister S P Velumani who along with forest minister Dindigul C Srinivasan and HR&CE minister Sevvoor S Ramachandran inaugurated the camp.
B Ramu, mahout of 17-year-old Ramalakshmi from Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram, said the rejuvenation camp was of immense help to the gentle giants. “The camp helps temple elephants that are lonely throughout the year to enjoy with the herd,’’ he said.
In fact, the elephants were jubilant at the sight of their ilk after landing at the camp site and were seen caressing each other with their trunks. The mahouts had tough time keeping the ‘friends’ apart as they wanted the inaugural event to get over without any fuss.
The elephants were decorated with caparison, garlands and some with necklaces embossed with the name of its temple for the inaugural function.
“She is delighted to see all other elephants and has been making noises to show her affection,’’ Balakrishnan V, mahout of Gandhimathy from Gandhimathiamman Temple in Tirunelveli, said.
Forest department ranger, Mettupalayam, S Selvaraj said people need not worry about the threat of wild tuskers as they have a team of 40 forest officials to support the villagers.
Even as the elephants started arriving at the camp site near Mettupalayam, farmers staged a protest nearby opposing the camp.
Farmers alleged that the elephants at the camp might attract wild elephants from the forests which eventually damage crops. More than 30 people were arrested by the rural police for staging protest by tying up black flags.
By- Abbinaya Kuzhanthaivel
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