The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is closely observing an injured tuskless male elephant, affectionately known as a ‘makhna,’ that has found an unusual sanctuary in the Bhavani River. This compelling situation is unfolding along the border shared by Tamil Nadu and Kerala, near Koodapatti, approximately 60 kilometers from Coimbatore city. The elephant has remained submerged in the river for several days, seemingly for therapeutic reasons.
Forest Department officials have noted that the elephant appears to be using the river’s cool waters to alleviate the pain from its multiple injuries. The natural buoyancy offered by the water also provides much-needed relief by reducing pressure on its wounded limbs, acting as a natural balm for the majestic creature.
It is believed that the makhna migrated to the river from the Kerala side after sustaining its injuries. The elephant positioned itself strategically in the middle of the Bhavani, which serves as a natural boundary between the two states in the Koodapatti region. Upon the elephant’s movement towards the Tamil Nadu banks, the Kerala Forest Department promptly alerted their counterparts in the Coimbatore Forest Division, initiating a coordinated interstate monitoring and rescue effort.
N. Jayaraj, the District Forest Officer of Coimbatore Division, confirmed that the makhna crossed into Tamil Nadu territory on September 4. In a proactive measure to aid its recovery, forest personnel have been providing the elephant with sugarcane and various fruits, thoughtfully infused with medicines as prescribed by Forest Veterinary Officer S. Vennila. Efforts are underway to ensure the elephant receives continuous care.
M. Saravanan, Forest Range Officer for the Periyanaickenpalayam range of the Coimbatore Division, detailed the severity of the elephant’s condition. He reported that the makhna bears several piercing wounds, including a visible injury above its right eye, and its right ear is partially torn. These particular injuries strongly suggest that the makhna was involved in a significant territorial or dominance clash with a tusker, leading to its current plight.
A dedicated team of forest officials remains on-site at Koodapatti, maintaining continuous vigilance over the elephant, hoping for its eventual and complete recovery.