BANGALORE: Sunder, an elephant rehabilitated at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) following the directions of the Supreme Court, is on the road to recovery. He was rescued from Devasthan Temple Management Committee which manages Jyotiba Temple in Kolhapur.
A victim of abuse for several years, 14-year-old Sunder looked weak and was dehydrated when he arrived at his new home around a fortnight ago. He had a wound on his left hind limb as a result of being chained continuously and there was an abscess below the wound.
BBP executive director Range Gowda said Sunder’s wounds are being routinely checked by zoo doctors.
“Sunder’s appetite has been improving and he is consuming rice and ragi balls with adlib green grass. A new mahout has been appointed by BBP and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The jumbo has started responding to his new mahout,” Gowda said.
Sunder has spending time with the zoo’s elephants in a restricted area. He is housed in a makeshift enclosure will soon be moved to a larger and permanent enclosure being built near the proposed Elephant Care Centre inside BBP.
Sunder was accompanied to BBP by veterinarians and members of the Kerala elephant squad. On arrival, the elephant was inspected by a joint committee comprising Forest veterinary officer, Kerala, assistant director (veterinary service), Bannerghatta, and veterinary officer, Bannerghatta.