Shivamogga: The elephant, Surya from Sakrebailu Elephant Camp is being shifted to the Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh.
The Surya elephant is being shifted to the Pilibhit Tiger Reserve in Uttar Pradesh. Surya is being sent to Uttar Pradesh on the instructions of the Government. Against this backdrop, the staff of the Sakrebailu camp bid farewell to Surya.
The 12-year-old surya elephant is the son of Nethra of Sakrebailu camp. Surya, who was well-entwined with the camp staff, will now have to spend time in the Pilibhit Forest of Uttar Pradesh. The Uttar Pradesh Government had appealed to the Karnataka Government for the elephants. A select few elephants from different parts of the country are being sent to Uttar Pradesh. The Surya elephant is being sent from Sakrebailu.
A team of doctors and Forest Department staff from Uttar Pradesh had arrived in the State to select the elephants. They went to different camps and selected four elephants. The elephants that could adapt to the climate of Uttar Pradesh were identified. Accordingly, an agreement has been reached between the Governments and thus the elephants are being transferred. Surya of Sakrebailu, Ramapura Camp in Dubare and three other elephants from Tithimathi in Kodagu are heading towards Uttar Pradesh.
Many safety measures have to be taken till the elephants depart from the State and reach the Pilibhit Forest in Uttar Pradesh. The route of the elephant has already been identified. The Police and Forest Department personnel of the respective Districts have to escort it. The elephant has to be moved only 250 kms daily. A designated place has to be provided in the respective District for daily stay. The elephant has to be bathed once every three hours.
Sakrebailu Medical Officer Vinay, kavadis Rajesh and Amjad are on their way to Uttar Pradesh with Surya. They will return once the elephant gets used to the atmosphere there.
