Mahout Drowns While Bathing Elephant at Bannerghatta Biological Park

A tragic accident occurred on Wednesday at the Bannerghatta Biological Park‘s elephant camp, where a young mahout drowned in a lake while bathing an elephant. The deceased has been identified as Gopal, a 20-year-old resident of Hunsur in Mysore district. Gopal had been caring for a 10-year-old elephant named Sampat for the past one and a half years, forming a bond that exemplified the deep relationships mahouts often develop with their elephants.

The unfortunate incident took place when Gopal was bathing Sampat in a lake near Seegekatte. During the process, the elephant unexpectedly moved towards the deeper section of the water, causing Gopal to lose his balance and fall into the lake. Reports suggest that he struggled to swim in the deep waters, and despite the immediate efforts of his brother Krishnakumar and another mahout, Sanjesh, they were unable to reach him in time to effect a rescue.

The distressing situation prompted park staff to alert the Bannerghatta police, leading to a swift response from multiple emergency services.

A combined rescue operation was launched, involving personnel from the Bannerghatta police, swimming experts, and fire and emergency services. After a thorough three-hour search, Gopal’s body was finally recovered from the lake. Authorities subsequently transported the body to Victoria Hospital for a post-mortem examination, as is standard procedure in such cases.

In light of this tragic accident, Suryasen, the Executive Director of Bannerghatta Biological Park, expressed his condolences and commitment to ensuring the safety of both the animals and the staff. He remarked, “This was an unfortunate accident. We will take precautionary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.” Suryasen announced plans for the construction of a dedicated bathing facility for elephants, which would help minimise the risks associated with bathing them in natural water bodies.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and among those who work with elephants. Mahouts play a crucial role in the care and management of these majestic animals, and losing a member of their community underscores the dangers inherent in their work. Friends and colleagues have come together to mourn the loss of Gopal, who was described as dedicated and passionate about his job.

This tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by those who work closely with wildlife. As the park administration takes steps to enhance safety measures, there is hope that such incidents will be prevented in the future.

The drowning of Gopal at Bannerghatta Biological Park highlights the inherent risks involved in working with elephants, especially in natural settings. As authorities take steps to improve safety protocols and facilities, the focus remains on preventing similar tragedies in the future. The community’s grief is palpable, as they remember a young man who dedicated his life to caring for one of nature’s most remarkable creatures.