Woman Dies Amid Elephant Clash At Karnataka’s Dubare Camp: What Safety Rules To Follow At Wildlife Camps

A 33-year-old tourist from Tamil Nadu lost her life after getting trapped under an elephant during a sudden tussle between two captive elephants at Dubare Elephant Camp in Karnataka’s Kodagu district. The tragic incident has sparked concerns regarding tourist safety at elephant camps. So, if you ever plan to visit a place like this, make sure to keep certain things in mind. Keep reading to know all about it.

Tourist Dies At Dubare Elephant Camp In Karnataka

The unfortunate incident happened around noon when tourists gathered near the lake at Dubare Elephant Camp in Kodagu district, Karnataka, to watch two elephants, Marthanda and Kanjan, being taken for a bath. According to Hindustan Times, the 33-year-old tourist, J Tulasi, had arrived in the district a day earlier with her husband and son.

Reportedly, a confrontation happened between the two elephants after Marthanda suddenly brushed against Kanjan, who then charged at Marthanda and rammed him. Marthanda lost balance and fell. Unfortunately, Tulasi was standing nearby and became trapped underneath the elephant. She died on the spot. State Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has now ordered officials to frame a Standard Operating Procedure for visitor safety at elephant camps across the state.

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How To Stay Safe While Visiting Elephant Camps

According to Hindustan Times, officials have now ordered new safety rules to be followed at elephant camps.

• Visitors should stand at least 100 feet away while watching elephants take a bath.
• Under no circumstances should tourists approach elephants for selfies or photographs.
• Visitors will not be allowed to feed elephants bananas, jaggery, sugarcane, or any other food items by hand.

Apart from these rules set by officials, visitors should always follow the guide’s instructions and avoid provoking the elephants. Plus, do not attempt to touch the animals or their trunks, and always stay behind designated safety barriers. Notably, Dubare Elephant Camp is among Karnataka’s most popular wildlife tourism attractions and draws many visitors who come to observe elephant training and bathing sessions.

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So, if you ever plan to visit an elephant camp, make sure to keep these safety rules in mind.

Cover Image Courtesy: @HateDetectors/X and Canva Pro/ Javarman3