Rescued Aggressive Tusker Moved to Overcrowded Sakrebailu Elephant Camp
A 35-year-old male elephant, rescued near the Balehonnur region in Chikkamagaluru district on Sunday, has been relocated to the Sakrebailu Elephant Camp located near Shivamogga. The tusker, which was reportedly in a state of must—a period of heightened aggression and hormonal activity common in male elephants—and displaying signs of aggression, is now being housed in a temporary wooden kraal under the supervision of the camp's dedicated staff.
Overcrowding Concerns at Sakrebailu Camp
The Sakrebailu Elephant Camp is currently grappling with severe overcrowding issues. With the arrival of this new elephant, the total number of elephants at the facility has increased to 24, placing additional strain on the camp's resources and infrastructure. This situation has sparked concerns among wildlife experts and conservationists about the welfare of the animals and the camp's capacity to provide adequate care.
Prasanna Krishna Patgar, the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) for Shivamagaluru wildlife, confirmed that higher authorities have instructed the camp to accommodate the rescued tusker on a temporary basis. He emphasized that this decision was made to ensure the elephant's safety and manage its aggressive behavior, but acknowledged the challenges posed by the camp's already crowded conditions.
Criticism Over Handling of the Rescue Operation
Meanwhile, Joseph Hoover, a former member of the State Wildlife Board, has publicly criticized the forest department's handling of the rescue operation. Hoover specifically targeted the decision to cut the elephant's tusks following sedation, arguing that this action was unnecessary and could have been avoided with better planning and alternative strategies.
He expressed concerns that such measures might compromise the elephant's natural behavior and well-being, calling for a review of standard operating procedures in similar wildlife rescue scenarios. Hoover's comments have ignited a broader debate about the ethical and practical aspects of managing aggressive elephants in captivity, especially in facilities like Sakrebailu that are struggling with overcrowding.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by wildlife authorities in balancing rescue efforts with the limitations of existing infrastructure, urging a need for more sustainable solutions in elephant conservation and management.
