Udhagamandalam: Field director of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) K K Kaushal on Saturday wrote to the vice-chancellor of Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (TANUVAS), seeking service of a veterinarian to examine the injured eye of elephant Cheran at the Theppakadu elephant camp.In the absence of Cheran’s mahout, kavadi (mahout’s assistant) Murugan had injured the left eye of the elephant while giving bath on May 17.“The injured elephant is being treated by in-house veterinarian Dr Rajesh in consultation with specialists.
As we cannot approach it, we are not able to assess the percentage of vision damaged,” Kaushal said.
“An eye expert would be the ideal option to assess the damage.
Hence, we have written to TANUVAS, seeking help.”The incident took place due to the omission and commission of Murugan, a permanent kavadi attached to the camp.
The mahout was on leave on that day.
After inquiry, disciplinary action was initiated against Murugan, who has been abstaining from duty since the incident.
Thirty-five-year-old Cheran, who was born in the camp, is utilized for kumki operations.