Four years on, zoo elephant returns to its habitat in Dubare

MADIKERI: An elephant that was sent from its natural camp to a biological park has been reinstated at its habitat after almost four years, following a diktat from the central wildlife board. The elephant had been relocated from Dubare elephant camp to the Pilikula Shivarama Karanth Biological Park.
According to wildlife laws, camp elephants cannot be kept in a zoo to entertain visitors.Officials, following intervention from the wildlife board under the Union ministry, said such relocation would harm the animals and restrict their movements. The elephant named Prashantha reached the Dubare camp in a lorry and was welcomed by the forest personnel. Another elephant is also expected to reach its native camp soon.
Durgaparameshwari, a female elephant and her daughter Radha, are expected to reach Dubare from Pilikula in two days, said an official of the park. Kushalnagar range forest officer M M Achappa said these elephants were sent to Pilikula during 2008. The Dubare elephant camp already has 19 elephants and with three more, the number will increase to 22, he said. Another pachyderm Vijaya was recently sent for the Mysore dasara festival from Dubare camp. Shortly three other elephants - Kavery, Harsha and Vikrama - will also be sent for participation in Mysore dasara festival.
Some of the trained elephants in Dubare are used for 'safari' in Dubare. Two elephants are being used for safari in Kaveri Nisargadhama at Kushalnagar. The Dubare elephants are split in two camps for their upkeep. Some are being looked after in Anekadu in Kushalnagar range, said Achappa.