From temples, festivals, and rituals–captive elephants hold a significant place in Kerala’s culture. But these very occasions have also become a source of their suffering. Adding to their woes are stress-related diseases, health complications, and a rising mortality rate. Addressing this issue, the Kerala Forest Department plans to create a 450-acre natural space at the Kottoor Elephant Rehabilitation Centre. Scroll down to know more.
Kerala’s Captive Elephants Are Suffering
Many elephants in Kerala are suffering from various issues. Among them, one is elephant Puthuppally Sadhu, who suffered because of a serious health crisis. This elephant is owned by Pothen Varghese of Vakathanam and suffered a severe health crisis caused by impaction, reported The New Indian Express. The condition left him unable to eat for over a month and led to dehydration. According to his owner, the elephant struggled with the issue between July 28 and August 24. While veterinarians from the government’s animal husbandry department initially treated him, Sadhu’s condition showed little improvement.
The owner then called Vantara on August 15. It is a wildlife rescue centre set up by the Reliance Foundation, and they took over the case. Their team, led by Dr. Vaisak Viswam, carried out a colonoscopy and removed the hardened stool, and within nine days of treatment, they saved Sandhu’s life.
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Outdated Treatment & Poor Management Practices
While talking to The New Indian Express, Dr. Sunil Kumar has pointed out that various old treatments and poor management are the reasons for the elephants’ health problems. He revealed that coconut and palm fronds are too tough to digest. Moreover, during ‘Anayoottu’ rituals, they’re served rice and grains that their stomach bacteria can’t handle. Some owners try to stop elephants’ natural musth with medicine or starvation, which harms their health and makes them aggressive.
To solve the problems and ensure elephants live a healthy life, the Kerala Forest Department wants to create a 450-acre natural space at the Kottoor Elephant Rehabilitation Centre. Here, the elephants can walk freely and eat grass. Moving around freely is important because, due to being held captive for a long time, these giants can get foot diseases as well.
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