Coimbatore: After more than 130 days inside the wooden cage, Chinnathambi, the famous elephant from the Thadagam region in Coimbatore who was transported to the Anamalai Tiger Reserve in a dramatic story, is finally out of the kraal.
Coimbatore: After more than 130 days inside the wooden cage, Chinnathambi, the famous elephant from the Thadagam region in Coimbatore who was transported to the Anamalai Tiger Reserve in a dramatic story, is finally out of the kraal.
The 25-year-old tusker who became the centre story of the entire State of Tamil Nadu gaining wide media attention a three months, would now be a normal camp elephant at the Varagaliyaru elephant camp in the Anamalai Tiger Reserve.
Forest Range Officer of Ulandhi Range Navin Kumar said that Chinnathambi was taken out based on his response to the training offered by experienced mahouts. "The training is not completely over yet and will continue. He is out because the mahouts believed that he trusts them and listens to their commands," he told the Simplicity.
Walking out of the kraal after 132 days means that Chinnathambi can now move in a free and open space that is not confined. He can also socialise with other camp elephants, but would be chained for the rest of his life. His mahout would be his friend for life.
Though it was expected that Chinnathambi could be taken out of the kraal sooner compared to other elephants because of his calm behaviour, his stay inside the kraal was extended because of the trust factor.
His health is also being closely monitored by a team of veterinarians and is in good condition.
"Though the animal seems friendly, we cannot take it out soon without knowing that the relationship between the elephant and mahout it strong. Anything could go wrong and the animal could still carry its wild instincts. It is a very sensitive process and it takes utmost care and a lot of time," said a senior official from the department. Chinnathambi was initially captured from Thadagam on 25th of January and was released in Varagaliyaru after being fitted with a radio collar on 26th of January. However, he walked into human habitations and continued to roam outside walking all the way upto Udumalaipet.
He was captured once again but was shut inside a kraal this time on 16th February and was being trained as a camp elephant and released outside on Friday, the 28th of January.