Mysore/Mysuru: Minister of Forests, Ecology, and Environment, Eshwar Khandre, announced plans to elevate Mysuru Zoo to international standards by enhancing tourist-friendly facilities and animal care services. During the inauguration of several new projects at the Zoo, Khandre highlighted initiatives such as a flexible animal adoption scheme, a live feeding unit, and animal ambulances. These measures aim to improve the visitor experience while ensuring the well-being of the animals.
Tragic Death of Dasara Elephant Ashwathama
The State Government is taking the incident seriously, with Khandre assuring that steps will be taken to prevent future jumbo deaths. Ashwathama, who participated twice in Mysuru Dasara and was considered a potential successor for the howdah elephant due to his height, will be sorely missed. The Karnataka High Court has taken suo motu cognisance of the matter, and Khandre emphasized the importance of implementing measures to avoid similar incidents.
Elephant Allocation to Andhra Pradesh
Regarding Andhra Pradesh’s request for trained camp elephants, Khandre stated that no decision has been made yet, pending discussions with Forest officials.
Arjuna Memorial Plans
The Memorial will be established at two locations: Sakleshpur, where Arjuna was buried, and Balle, which served as his camp. The plans are nearly finalized, with the foundation stone set to be laid within the next 15 days. Arjuna tragically died during a wild elephant capture operation in the Yeslur range forest of Sakleshpur taluk, Hassan district, on December 4, 2023.
Former MLC Sandesh Nagaraj, former MLA H.P. Manjunath, District Congress President Dr. B.J. Vijaykumar, Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK) Member-Secretary Dr. Sunil Panwar, Mysuru Circle Conservator of Forests (CF) Dr. Malathi Priya, Bandipur Tiger Reserve Director Prabhakaran, Nagarahole Tiger Reserve Director Harshakumar Chikkanaragunda, Hunsur Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Seema, Mysuru Wildlife DCF Saharanabasappa, Zoo Executive Director D. Mahesh Kumar, Deputy Director Roshni, and Mysuru Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Lakshmikanth were among the notable attendees at the event.
