The story begins in O’Valley, where a male elephant, affectionately known as ‘Radhakrishnan,’ had become notorious for its aggressive behavior and conflicts with local communities. Following a period of concern, forest officials took the difficult but necessary step of capturing the tusker in September.
For a full month, Radhakrishnan was housed in a kraal, a specialized elephant shelter, as part of a rehabilitation effort aimed at tempering its aggressive tendencies. R. Kiruba Shankar, the Field Director of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, explained that the primary goal was to observe and facilitate a change in the elephant’s behavior. During this time, intervention was kept minimal; the forest department focused on monitoring Radhakrishnan and ensuring it received proper nourishment.
Veterinarians conducted thorough health checks before deciding on the next crucial step. Although an initial plan considered releasing him within the Nilgiris, concerns that he might attempt to return to O’Valley led to a revised decision: a new home in the Kalakkad Mudanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR).
Past Conflicts
Radhakrishnan had been linked to the deaths of five people during past human-elephant encounters in O’Valley. Through this dedicated rehabilitation, authorities hope that the elephant will now steer clear of human settlements.
Ongoing Surveillance
To ensure its well-being and prevent future conflicts, Radhakrishnan has been fitted with a radio collar. A dedicated team from the forest department will closely monitor his movements, allowing him to acclimatize safely to his new, wild habitat. This ongoing surveillance is crucial for both Radhakrishnan’s future and the safety of nearby communities.