The Nilgiris: Investigations have been intensified following a male elephant was shot dead in Gudalur. Wildlife activists were shocked to learn that a male elephant that supposedly died of malnutrition and senility near Gudalur was in fact shot dead.
The Nilgiris: Investigations have been intensified following a male elephant was shot dead in Gudalur. Wildlife activists were shocked to learn that a male elephant that supposedly died of malnutrition and senility near Gudalur was in fact shot dead.
Forest department workers who were patrolling the Vachakolli Beat near Puliyamparai next to Gudalur witnessed an old elephant lying dead and a herd of elephants surrounding it. Information regarding this was passed on to Forest Ranger Ramakrishnan. Following this, veterinarians Sukumar and Paranjothi rushed to the spot. It was decided to conduct the autopsy today as it was raining heavily yesterday and there was a lot of elephant movement in the area.
Dr. Sukumar and local doctors examined the body of the elephant in the presence of the Forest Divisional Officer. Their initial report stated that the elephant had died of old age and malnutrition. It was said that the real cause of death would be known after the autopsy. It was observed that the elephant's right hind leg had pus formation in the knee joint. On further examination, a black bullet-like object was removed from the body. It has been sent to the concerned department for further enquiry.
Officials say that the elephant may have had the sore for more than two months and has been moving with pain. The examination revealed a black bullet of 1-inch diameter and two plates in a crushed state in the knee cavity. They said that could also have been the cause of the elephant's death.
Usually elephants from Kerala Wildlife Sanctuary come here looking for food and water and it is said that elephants get shot as they destroy farmland. The Kerala Forest Department has also been informed about this. A special team has been formed to investigate the shooting of the elephant.
Forest department workers who were patrolling the Vachakolli Beat near Puliyamparai next to Gudalur witnessed an old elephant lying dead and a herd of elephants surrounding it. Information regarding this was passed on to Forest Ranger Ramakrishnan. Following this, veterinarians Sukumar and Paranjothi rushed to the spot. It was decided to conduct the autopsy today as it was raining heavily yesterday and there was a lot of elephant movement in the area.
Dr. Sukumar and local doctors examined the body of the elephant in the presence of the Forest Divisional Officer. Their initial report stated that the elephant had died of old age and malnutrition. It was said that the real cause of death would be known after the autopsy. It was observed that the elephant's right hind leg had pus formation in the knee joint. On further examination, a black bullet-like object was removed from the body. It has been sent to the concerned department for further enquiry.
Officials say that the elephant may have had the sore for more than two months and has been moving with pain. The examination revealed a black bullet of 1-inch diameter and two plates in a crushed state in the knee cavity. They said that could also have been the cause of the elephant's death.
Usually elephants from Kerala Wildlife Sanctuary come here looking for food and water and it is said that elephants get shot as they destroy farmland. The Kerala Forest Department has also been informed about this. A special team has been formed to investigate the shooting of the elephant.