Elephants in Kerala
-Susan Sharma
Elephants in Kerala are conserved, protected, worshiped. The Asian elephant herds in Periyar Tiger Reserve gladden the hearts of visitors who view them from a boat. The Wayanad forests also boast of herds who roam the corridors
connecting the Kalakad-Mundunthurai Tiger Reserve.
Orphan elephants, often victims of poaching of adult elephants, are taken into the elephant training centre at Konni. At the elephant camp, visitors can observe the elephants daily routine and activities.
Kerala also has more than 700 captive elephants, mostly engaged in temple festivities. Some are owned by temples but most belong to individual owners.
Here are some pictures which tell the story
Elephants in natural environs of Thekkady
Orphan a "Kraal" in Konni
Training to bathe with tap water
Ready to bow to the Diety in a temple
Wounds as a result of chaining over the years