Chief Wildlife Warden P.N. Surendran has warned of stringent action against illegal transfer and leasing of captive elephants. In an order, Mr. Surendran said that sale, transfer, and other dealings of captive elephants should be done with the approval of and in accordance with the norms given by his office.
Overexploitation
“The trend of illegal transfer and leasing out of captive elephants has increased recently. More than 50 elephants have died in the past one-and-a-half years before attaining their normal lifespan. Analysis of their records shows that most of them were illegally transferred or leased out. Some of these elephants were overexploited by their leased holders,” he observed.
According to the instructions issued by him, whenever an elephant is transferred from the registered district, the owner should inform the Assistant Conservator of Forest (social forestry) about the period, destination, and purpose of transport. It should be taken back to its original place of tethering once the permitted period expires.
Temporary housing
No elephant shall be shifted out of its registered district for more than 15 days at a stretch. To do so, the owner should take permission from the Assistant Conservator of Forests (social forestry).
Facilities for temporary housing, maintenance and upkeep should be ensured according to the norms given under the Kerala Captive Elephants (Management and Maintenance) Rule 2012.