Coimbatore: For more than a few weeks, the media fraternity, the State Assembly, social media and general public were all repeatedly chanting one name over and over again. It was Chinnathambi forever all over the State of Tamil Nadu.
While majority of people here have looked upon elephants as a matter of threat, a handful of elephants have etched a lasting impression on Coimbatoreans.
Coimbatore: For more than a few weeks, the media fraternity, the State Assembly, social media and general public were all repeatedly chanting one name over and over again. It was Chinnathambi forever all over the State of Tamil Nadu.
The case of Chinnathambi was so convincing that even the cinema industry, which is usually devoid of nature conservation started speaking out for the freedom of the elephant. From being a local crowd puller, the 25-year-old elephant from the Thadagam Valley in Coimbatore became a national sensation in no time.
Though it was the timing and lack of other sensational news that kindled conservation thinking in the web, Chinnathambi was a fitting example of what positive interactions with humans meant for an elephant.
One might argue that positive interactions could not continue for long considering the consequences of closeness between humans and habitual crop raiders. Yet, Chinnathambi was able to attract people beyond imaginations with some of them opening up restaurants after him. Even private buses that ply in Thadagam had his photo.
Chinnathambi who now lives a life in captivity inside a kraal at Varagaliyar elephant camp in Anamalai Tiger Reserve, would be remembered for a very long time not only among the dwellers of the Thadagam Valley, but Coimbatore on the whole.
When one talks of Chinnathambi, the obvious companion linked to the tusker would be Vinayagan, one of the largest tuskers to have roamed in Coimbatore. However, the local residents of Thadagam would first pop out the name of Periyathambi.
The duo of Chinnathambi and Periyathambi it was first, who first roamed the valley as bachelors. Many still believe that Vinayagan and Periyathambi were same. However, some people claim that Periyathambi was an altogether different elephant who moved away from the valley.
Vinayagan has his own legends that still reverberate in the hearts of the people. Of all the anecdotes surrounding the tusker, it was his trunk raised farewell that would is inscribed in the hearts of Thadagam dwellers. Who can forget such an emotional farewell by an elephant who ruled the region for many years.
A few years ago, Thadagam was quaint about its elephants and it was Madukkarai that was on the frame more than often. All for one elephant, whose life drew many connections with Chinnathambi.
For many reasons, people did little justice to Madukkarai Maharaj, an elephant who was caught, brought under captivity, but died still being a wild elephant. For all the years, he roamed around Madukkarai, Maharaj lived the life of a normal crop raider, who neither had too many negative interactions, nor had a full on positive effect among people like Chinnathambi. Yet, his untimely demise shook many hearts, which still rings in the rocky hills of Madukkarai.
While the name Madukkarai Maharaj would bring about about a wry smile with fond memories, the name Encounter must give a chill on the spine. The name is forever synonymous with danger for many in the region. True or not, rumours that surround the name seem very convincing.
Nine kills in total and numerous attacks! Such a devastating number has not been pinned on any other elephant in Coimbatore.
Though many crowd pullers have ruled the Coimbatore region, it is these five elephants that will be legends for life. From the softest of characters to the aggressive personas, the famous five will always roam in Coimbatore.
Coimbatore: For more than a few weeks, the media fraternity, the State Assembly, social media and general public were all repeatedly chanting one name over and over again. It was Chinnathambi forever all over the State of Tamil Nadu.
The case of Chinnathambi was so convincing that even the cinema industry, which is usually devoid of nature conservation started speaking out for the freedom of the elephant. From being a local crowd puller, the 25-year-old elephant from the Thadagam Valley in Coimbatore became a national sensation in no time.
Though it was the timing and lack of other sensational news that kindled conservation thinking in the web, Chinnathambi was a fitting example of what positive interactions with humans meant for an elephant.
One might argue that positive interactions could not continue for long considering the consequences of closeness between humans and habitual crop raiders. Yet, Chinnathambi was able to attract people beyond imaginations with some of them opening up restaurants after him. Even private buses that ply in Thadagam had his photo.
Chinnathambi who now lives a life in captivity inside a kraal at Varagaliyar elephant camp in Anamalai Tiger Reserve, would be remembered for a very long time not only among the dwellers of the Thadagam Valley, but Coimbatore on the whole.
When one talks of Chinnathambi, the obvious companion linked to the tusker would be Vinayagan, one of the largest tuskers to have roamed in Coimbatore. However, the local residents of Thadagam would first pop out the name of Periyathambi.
The duo of Chinnathambi and Periyathambi it was first, who first roamed the valley as bachelors. Many still believe that Vinayagan and Periyathambi were same. However, some people claim that Periyathambi was an altogether different elephant who moved away from the valley.
Vinayagan has his own legends that still reverberate in the hearts of the people. Of all the anecdotes surrounding the tusker, it was his trunk raised farewell that would is inscribed in the hearts of Thadagam dwellers. Who can forget such an emotional farewell by an elephant who ruled the region for many years.
A few years ago, Thadagam was quaint about its elephants and it was Madukkarai that was on the frame more than often. All for one elephant, whose life drew many connections with Chinnathambi.
For many reasons, people did little justice to Madukkarai Maharaj, an elephant who was caught, brought under captivity, but died still being a wild elephant. For all the years, he roamed around Madukkarai, Maharaj lived the life of a normal crop raider, who neither had too many negative interactions, nor had a full on positive effect among people like Chinnathambi. Yet, his untimely demise shook many hearts, which still rings in the rocky hills of Madukkarai.
While the name Madukkarai Maharaj would bring about about a wry smile with fond memories, the name Encounter must give a chill on the spine. The name is forever synonymous with danger for many in the region. True or not, rumours that surround the name seem very convincing.
Nine kills in total and numerous attacks! Such a devastating number has not been pinned on any other elephant in Coimbatore.
Though many crowd pullers have ruled the Coimbatore region, it is these five elephants that will be legends for life. From the softest of characters to the aggressive personas, the famous five will always roam in Coimbatore.