Udumalaipet : Even as the Forest Department is finding it difficult to cope up with the less number of able Kumkis available, next generation Kumki, Suyambu, who was given the task of loading Chinnathambi in the truck, made everyone happy by successfully completing the task here today.
Udumalaipet : Even as the Forest Department is finding it difficult to cope up with the less number of able Kumkis available, next generation Kumki, Suyambu, who was given the task of loading Chinnathambi in the truck, made everyone happy by successfully completing the task here today.
The less than 22-year-old Kumki, which was brought from the Kozhikamuthi elephant camp in Anamalai Tiger Reserve a few days ago as a replacement for veteran Kumki Mariappan, was initially brought to the scene to assist another veteran Kumki Kaleem, who is the camp leader of Kozhikamuthi camp.
However, he was trusted with the whole task after a few nudges on Chinnathambi by Kaleem and as Kaleem watched on from the sides, Suyambu successfully pushed Chinnathambi on the ramp and into the transport truck.
It initially looked a daunting task for the young Kumki, which was evident from his hesitance during the operation.
However, with quick commands from his mahout Murugan, Suyambu made the right moves, which helped load Chinnathambi in the truck.
The scene broke into a huge roar cheering both Suyambu and his mahout Murugan, as everyone appreciated the duo for completing the task. Mani, mahout of Kaleem was also applauding. This is the first such operation for Suyambu, where he had single handedly loaded an elephant inside a truck.
Notably, Chinnathambi is bigger, older and heavier than Suyambu, challenging the Kumki to his core. However, it became easier with the help of the hydraulic system, which kept pulling Chinnathambi inside the truck.
Meanwhile, Chinnathambi was given a bath and was being transported to Varagaliyar elephant camp in top slip.