Kumki ‘blinded’ by mahout’s assistant at Theppakadu
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Cheran, a kumki elephant at the Theppakadu camp, was blinded by a ‘kaavadi’, or assistant to its mahout, on May 17.
The elephant, aged round 35, has been utilized in many operations to seize or drive away wild elephants within the Western Ghats. It had already misplaced sight in a single eye and relied on the left eye for imaginative and prescient, officers mentioned.
It has been alleged that Cheran was being given instructions at the camp within the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) when the harm occurred.
Activists have alleged that mahout Ravi had informally handed over the duty of coaching the elephant to an individual who was identified to him, however not on the payroll of the Forest Department. But MTR Field Director K.K. Kaushal dismissed the cost. He mentioned it was the assistant to the mahout that had inflicted the harm on the elephant.
“The incident happened on May 17 and a report has been filed. Disciplinary action has been initiated against the forest staff in question, and strict action will be taken,” he mentioned.
It is unclear if the harm has rendered Cheran blind. “I will be conducting a thorough investigation, and veterinarians will also ascertain the severity of the injury and see if any course of treatment can be provided to restore eyesight to the animal,” Mr. Kaushal mentioned.
The harm has once more raised questions in regards to the remedy of captive elephants at Theppakadu. In September 2019, John, a captive elephant at the camp, was videotaped being hit by mahouts, who had been seen throwing sticks and stones at the animal to manage it.
The Forest Department has maintained that it is among the most humane elephant camps within the nation, with captive elephants having fun with a significantly better high quality of life than wherever else.
A conservationist from the Nilgiris mentioned some power is required to maintain any elephant beneath management.
“At the end of the day, elephants are wild animals, which can only be controlled and trained by use of force… Kumkis, especially, are treated very harshly to obey complex commands so that they can be used in operations by the Forest Department. It is very important for people to remember that all captive elephants, which are in camps and temples, are kept in check with at least some kind of force, and at times, the use of such force can lead to injuries. These are moral and philosophical questions, which are connected to keeping elephants in captivity,” he mentioned.
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