Covid-19 Lockdown Gifts Kerala’s Captive Elephants Happy Vacation

"It’s true that captive elephants are the only happy lot in the time of Covid-19 lockdown. There are no elephant parades, no temple festivals, and no longer travel. They are cooling down their legs with their regular food," eminent Wildlife Biologist and Conservationist Dr. P.S. Easa told India Today.

"We have started mild rejuvenation therapy now. The most important thing is an elephant needs to walk a minimum of 10 km every day to keep them fit. We have taken permission from the police to take our elephants out for walking, " the elephant owner revealed.

Around 1,500 temple festivals from March-May parade elephants in a year. But lockdown restrictions forced the temple management to call off all festivals. Some festivals see parading of more than 50 caparisoned elephants and massive bursting of crackers that continues for several hours. This is extremely tough for the elephants and some have succumbed to this pressure in the last few years. PK Kesavan, the state’s chief wildlife warden, blamed the deaths on careless handling and wilful negligence. Elephant owners neglect elephants health. "Elephants need huge amount of food and adequate rest,” he said. “Denying them both will badly affect their health.”

Image Courtesy: India Today

According to K Venkitachalam of the Heritage Animal Task Force, a non-governmental organisation in Thrissur, an elephant needs 200 kg of tree leaves and 200 litres of water every day. “Unfortunately, a majority of the captive elephants get less than one-tenth the required quantity because of the festivals,” he said.

He added, “With the increase in the number of festivals, elephants have to be transported from one festival venue to another by truck without much delay. Elephants have to stand in shackles during these long journeys. It deprives them of much-needed rest. It is another form of torture.”

"There is uncertainty over Thrissur Pooram and we are waiting for Union Government’s decision on lockdown. If the lockdown is extended or banned festivals for another month, there will be no Pooram this year," a temple official told India Today.

A huge relief for captive elephants who for once have to live without any torture. The Covid 19 was a welcomed break for these animals who truly belong in the wild, not as human entertainment.

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