Mananthavadi Wild Elephant Incident: Drugging and Shooting, Capture and Release in Bandipur Forest

2024-02-02 12:29:05

Mananthavadi – The wild cat that spread fear in the town was drugged and shot. It was successfully fired on the second attempt. Despite being shot, the elephant did not panic and run away. The elephant began to faint. A booster dose was also given to the elephant. The process of carrying the elephant into the elephant ambulance using kunkianas has started. Kungianas Vikram, Surya and Surendran are there to help in the mission. The elephant came to the city and spread terror and drugged him in the 13th hour. At around 2 pm, the order was issued to arrest the elephant by drugging it.

A thick crowd and officials gathered near the place where the elephant was stationed. Picture: Jitin Joel Harim∙ Manorama.

Principal Chief Forest Conservator D. Jayaprasad ordered to capture the elephant and release it in the Bandipur forest. With this, the process of shooting the elephant was started as soon as possible. The elephant was shot at half past five. Three Kungianas were stationed in three parts. Kunkianas were deployed to prevent elephants from running away after being shot. But there was no provocation on the part of the elephant.

RRT team preparing to drug the elephant. Picture: Jitin Joel Harim∙ Manorama.

According to the order of the Principal Chief Forest Conservator, three elephants had arrived in the settlement at Thalapuzha in Begur range of North Wayanad division last night. Two of these were driven back into the forest. But one could not be chased. This elephant came to Mananthavadi. The elephant was stationed in a residential area 10 km away from the forest. Therefore, the Northern Circle Chief Conservator of Forests had given a report that the only possible way was to drug them and release them into the bay.

District Collector Dr.Renura Raj visited the place and assessed the situation in relation to chasing wild boars in Mananthavadi town.

This is an elephant that was caught from near the Bandipur Tiger Reserve and released with a radio collar. According to the order issued by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, after contacting the Karnataka Forest Department, a notification was received that the elephant can be released in the Bandipur forest area.

A banana plantation where an elephant stands. Picture: Jitin Joel Harim∙ Manorama. Crowds gathered near the place where the elephant was stationed. Picture: Jitin Joel Harim∙ Manorama.

Prohibition order was announced in Mananthavadi after the elephant came down. But the problem was compounded by the arrival of people to meet the elephant. It was also thought of reintroducing the elephant to the wild using kunkianas. But because it was difficult to drive the elephant through the inhabited area for ten kilometers, it was decided to use drugs.

English Summary:

Wild Elephant Stir Safety Concerns, District Collector Calls in Experts