Shivamogga: Sakrebailu Elephant Camp near Shivamogga on Wednesday celebrated World Elephant Day under the global theme of uniting nations and communities to protect elephant populations. The resident elephants were decorated and got a speacial treat.However, compared to previous years, the atmosphere remained subdued as the sanctuary—recognised as the second-largest elephant camp in Karnataka—remains temporarily closed to the public following the Dubare mishap and ongoing implementation of strict standard operating procedures (SOPs).Despite tourist restrictions, the camp’s staff and forest department officials held a simple yet traditional celebration for its 24 resident elephants, comprising 19 males and five females. The pachyderms were specially decorated, the staff performed special prayers, and the elephants were treated to a feast of sugarcane, fresh fruits, and sweets. The celebration shifted to the kraal area with restricted places as per interim instructions by higher-ups.Camp may open month-end: DCFDCF (Shivamogga Wildlife) Prasanna Krishna Patagar outlined the safety measures being put in place before the camp reopens to visitors. The department is taking necessary steps to strictly comply with the new SOPs, which include installing double barricades around the camp and the river area where elephants bathe, he said. While the camp is expected to reopen to the public by the end of this month, visitor interactions will be significantly restricted. Tourists will no longer be permitted to enter the water or assist in bathing the elephants, but will instead view them from designated observation areas behind double barricades.Additionally, surveillance is being upgraded with four CCTV cameras already installed in critical zones and two to three more planned shortly.The DCF also updated about the jumbos. He said Adakabadka has completely recovered from a previous leg fracture. Vikrant is in the final stages of healing from a leg injury, with veterinarians expecting a full recovery within 15 to 20 days, while Sagara has recovered from a minor injury and is in good health, he added.Regarding Balanna, officials clarified that a portion of its ear was surgically amputated for medical reasons to prevent life-threatening complications, and the wound has since healed completely. Currently, two elephants, including Balanna, are in musth and are being safely housed in kraals at a distance, with plans to resume their routine daytime forest grazing once the condition subsides.
