The Karnataka administration will hand over five elephants to Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday morning at Vidanasoudha. The ceremony will see the presence of CM Siddaramaiah, DCM DK Shivakumar, Forest Minister Eshwar B Khandre, and Andhra Pradesh’s DCM Pawan Kalyan.
The transfer involves three elephants from Dubare camp in Kodagu and two from Sakrebailu camp in Shivamogga. Abhimanyu (15) and Krishna (16) are amongst those being relocated.
Three more elephants from Dubare camp are Deva (39), Ranjan (25), and Karuna (32).
After six months of preparation, including training of Andhra forest staff, the transfer is ready. However, concerns have emerged regarding the treatment of Sakrebailu camp elephants.
On 5 May, two elephants were sent to Phansoli elephant camp in Kali Tiger Reserve, Dandeli, to assist with a female elephant’s weaning. Instead of returning, they were instructed to proceed to Bengaluru without veterinary care. Following objections, the authorities returned them to Sakrebailu camp on Tuesday, after a 275-kilometre journey, before their 308-kilometre trip to Bengaluru, causing distress to the Kumki elephants.
Joseph Hoover, former Wildlife Board member and activist, highlighted the improper handling procedures. He noted that while the public faces penalties for such conduct, the department transported elephants to Dandeli without proper medical supervision. Four staff members accompanied the elephants for weaning, returning a week later without them. The elephants returned to Shivamogga just one day before their scheduled Andhra Pradesh transfer.
DCF Prasanna Krishna Patgar confirmed that no dedicated veterinarian was available since the previous doctor’s departure last month. However, Shivamogga Zoo’s Doctor Murali Manohar is accompanying the Bengaluru journey. Patgar justified the Dandeli transfer, stating that trained elephants typically need minimal medical oversight.
The two elephants left Shivamogga at 7 pm with six staff members and a veterinary doctor, with an expected early morning arrival in Bengaluru. Officials stated that selected Sakrebailu staff would stay in Andhra Pradesh for a month to assist with the elephants’ adjustment.
