Bheema emerges as heaviest jumbo in weight check for Dasara celebrations

Mysuru: The first batch of nine elephants, which arrived at Mysuru Palace on Sunday for the Dasara celebrations, underwent a weight check on Monday. Bheema, a 25-year-old young elephant fondly called the "brother of Arjuna" and a crowd favourite, emerged as the heaviest at 5,465 kg, followed closely by howdah elephant Abhimanyu at 5,360 kg. At the lighter end was kumki elephant Cauvery, weighing 3,010 kg.Given that foresters could stop using Abhimanyu to carry the golden howdah on his back and amble the 5km Dasara procession route from the Mysuru Palace to the Banni Mantap Grounds amidst a multitude of people, Bheema could succeed him. He is 2.85m tall and has good looks. He is also composed and from Mathigodu Elephant Camp in Nagarahole Tiger Reserve. Generally, tuskers from Nagarahole make the cut as Dasara howdah elephants in recent times, be it Dhrona, Balarama, Arjuna, and Abhimanyu. As the forest department has not used lead elephants after they cross 60 years, there is a crisis, which Bheema could solve as he is a regular to Mysuru since the 2017 edition of the Dasara festival. He is also taller than Abhimanyu and used during operations to rescue tigers in the forest areas or its fringes.The weigh-in took place at a weighbridge on Dhanvantri Road. Officials said all elephants will be placed on a special nutritious diet until the Dasara procession to maintain their weight and stamina.IB Prabhu Gowda, DCF (wildlife), said, "All nine elephants are in good shape. Bheema, even in the forest, takes great care of his health, which is why he maintains such good weight. As for the rain, elephants enjoy them. To ensure mahouts and kavadis stay dry, we'll provide raincoats and umbrellas."Elephant weightBheema - 5,465 kg, Abhimanyu - 5,360 kg, Ekalavya - 5,305 kg, Dhananjaya - 5,310 kg, Mahendra - 5,120 kg, Prasantha - 5,110 kg, Kanjan - 4,880 kg, Lakshmi - 3,730 kg, Kaveri - 3,010 kg

Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays, public holidays, and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.