Madikeri: Elephant shows for visitors at the Harangi Tree Park and Elephant Camp resumed on Thursday with necessary safety measures in place.Similarly, the Mathigodu Elephant Camp has also been reopened to tourists.Following the death of a woman tourist who was caught in a fight between two elephants at the Dubare camp, public entry to elephant camps across the state had been restricted.Forest officials said tourism activities at the Harangi Tree Park and Elephant Camp have now resumed with adequate safety arrangements. Public safety has been given top priority, and measures have been put in place to ensure that tourists maintain a safe distance during elephant shows.Kushalnagar range forest officer (RFO) R Rakshit said all necessary precautions and safety measures have been taken, keeping in mind the behaviour and movement of elephants.The Mathigodu Elephant Camp at Thithimathi was also closed to tourists after the death of a woman tourist at Dubare on May 18. The camp, which remained closed for 105 days, was reopened to visitors on Sept. 1. To ensure visitor safety, facilities have been created for tourists to view elephants from a distance of 10m.The forest department has proposed installing a railway-style barricade to allow tourists to observe elephants from a safe distance and prevent direct contact with the animals.Forest officials at the Mathigodu Elephant Camp said tourists travelling on the Thithimathi-Mysuru route can stop at the camp and view 12 trained elephants.
