Injured tusker dies at Sakrebailu elephant camp

A 32-year-old tusker, Showrya, died at the Sakrebailu Elephant Camp near Shivamogga on Thursday after suffering from an injury that had turned necrotic, officials said. The elephant had been captured in the Balehonnur Range of Chikkamagaluru district after local residents complained that it was causing trouble. It was moved to the camp on February 22 and kept in a kraal as part of the taming process.

Camp staff took Showrya out of the kraal on May 11. According to Prasanna Patagar, Deputy Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Shivamogga, the elephant had a habit of hitting the kraal walls, causing several injuries. The camp veterinarian, Murali Manohar, treated the injuries.

A wound was recently noticed on the thigh of the left hind limb. Mr. Patagar said it was deep and had become necrotic, meaning the tissue had died.

Two other veterinarians examined the elephant, reviewed the treatment and advised that it continue, Mr. Patagar said. Showrya collapsed on Wednesday night, after which camp staff and the veterinarian provided medical care.

The elephant died at about 8 a.m. on Thursday. Mr.

Patagar said the exact cause of death would be known after a post-mortem. With Showrya’s death, the number of elephants at the camp fell to 23. Environmental activists had recently raised concerns about the elephant’s health.

The Chief Minister’s Office subsequently sought an explanation from officials. In a reply dated September 24, the Deputy Conservator said Showrya was under Dr. Manohar’s care.

The reply also said a veterinary team comprising Mujeebur Rahman, Chief Veterinarian of the Kodagu Circle, and Kiran of Bannerghatta National Park had visited the camp on September 21 to review treatment. It noted that the camp did not have an expert veterinarian to look after its animals.