Rejuvenation camp for captive elephants begins in Theppakadu

As many as 27 elephants from MTR, 27 from ATR and two from Chadivayal elephant camp in Coimbatore are participating in the rejuvenation camp. It’s a break from their routine as these trained elephants were engaged for various activities like patrolling, tourist safari and to drive away straying wild elephants. The rejuvenation camp for temple and mutt elephants ended on January 30 in Coimbatore. Tamil Nadu State Forest Minister Dindigul C Sreenivasan inaugurated the elephant camp at MTR while MLA Kasturi Vasu inaugurated it at ATR.

Two elephants Giri and Krishna performed a ‘pooja’ to the ‘Vinayagar’ idol at MTR during the inaugural function.

During these 48 days, the elephants can rejoice consuming nutritious food, greens, sugarcane and other healthy essentials. Inaugurating the camp, Minister Sreenivasan said that a total of 62 elephants, including 27 from MTR, 27 from ATR, two from Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Chennai, two from Chadivayal elephant camp in Coimbatore and four from rehabilitation centre in Tiruchy, are participating in the rejuvenation camp in their respective places.

He said that Rs 70 lakh has been sanctioned by the government for the rejuvenation camp for captive elephants. “Apart from trenches, solar fencing is being put up to prevent wild elephants from intruding into residential neighbourhoods,” the Minister said.

ATR Deputy Director Marimuthu said that elephants would get refreshed by participating in the camp. During the 48 days, doctors would regularly screen the health of the captive elephants and provide medical interventions, if required.