Mysuru: In response to widespread public concern and appeals from animal lovers, the forest department has relocated Dasara elephant Gajendra from Budipadaga Elephant Camp in Chamarajanagar district to Mattigodu Camp in Nagarahole Tiger Reserve.This follows directions from forest minister Eshwara Khandre.Gajendra, 63, a veteran camp elephant who participated several times in the Mysuru Dasara festivities, was recently kept in isolation at Budipadaga camp. Officials noted that elephants are highly social animals that thrive in the company of other elephants. Prolonged isolation reportedly affected Gajendra’s health, leaving him physically weak. There were also concerns that he lacked the strength to defend himself against wild elephants while grazing in nearby forest areas.The situation drew significant public attention, triggering an online campaign titled ‘Save Gajendra’. Citizens, wildlife enthusiasts and animal welfare advocates used social media platforms to highlight the elephant’s condition and submitted formal appeals to the forest minister seeking the elephant’s relocation to a safer and more suitable environment.Responding to the growing public sentiment, Khandre issued a directive on March 26, instructing forest officials to take necessary action as per departmental regulations, a release said.Acting on the order, the department relocated the elephant on Monday. Before the transfer, officials performed a traditional puja at the Budipadaga camp as part of customary rituals associated with camp elephants. Gajendra was then carefully transported in the department’s specially designed elephant rescue vehicle to Mattigodu camp.The Mattigodu camp is known for housing several trained elephants and provides a more suitable environment where Gajendra can live among other elephants and receive proper care from trained mahouts and veterinarians. Forest officials believe the new surroundings will improve his physical health and mental well-being.
