MYSURU: The Mysore royal family is contemplating handing over some of the elephants in its possession to the forest department.
The royal family is said to have taken a decision in this regard as it is finding difficult to take care of six elephants -- Ruby, Seeta, Preethi, Chanchala, Rajeshwari and Gemini, all female.
The elephants that were said to be once part of a circus company are presently used for puja purposes and to take tourists on joy rides within the palace premises.
The collection from joy rides goes to the royal family. But the maintenance of the elephants which is a costly affair and their deteriorating health are said to be the worry for the royal family.
Also, controlling the elephants that have no male partner is not an easy thing, said a source. These elephants get an opportunity of mating only when Dasara elephants camp on the palace premises for over a month, once in a year.
Sources said the royal family is planning to keep only 2-3 elephants and hand over the rest. In this case, Ruby, Seetha and Preethi which are mild mannered may stay back on the palace premises while Chanchala, Rajeshwari and Gemini may find their way into the woods.
DCF K Karikalan said a month ago, a representative from Wadiyar family, had met him expressing their willingness to hand over some of the elephants. He said he asked him to submit a proposal in writing which will be forwarded to the Chief Wildlife Warden for consideration.