Elephant camps – A safe haven for Kerala’s gentle giants
The Asian elephant – Elephas maximus – are often referred to as the sons of the ‘Sahya’ (the Western Ghats). In Kerala, there are seen as an important part of festivals, religious functions and celebrations. You can find rows of majestically caparisoned elephants with beautiful silk and zari parasols.
Ganesh, the elephant-headed God (son of Lord Siva), has millions of worshippers in India. These gentle animals carry the idols of Gods during temple festivals and processions. For example, in Punnathur Kotta, an elephant sanctuary in Guruvayur, around 40 domesticated elephants are prepared by the temple management, for the service of Lord Krishna.
Elephant camps are where wild elephants and captured ones are trained. There are seven such elephant camps in Kerala run by the Forest Department at:
1. Konni – Pathanamthitta
2. Kodanad – Ernakulam
3. Muthanga – Wayanad
4. Nilambur – Malappuram
5. Tholpetti – Wayanad
6. Arynkavu – Pathanamthitta
7. Thekkady -Idukki
These camps are safe havens for the elephants. While they are taken care of by doctors and mahouts, orphan and old elephants are also sheltered in the camps. The Elephant is an icon of Kerala let us enjoy their rides and treks, but let us also remember to protect the gentle giants.
