Nagpur: The Maharashtra Forest Department has decided to get rid of at least 12 captive elephants stored in Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) and Gadchiroli.
It plans to send them to the rescue center managed by Reliance’s Radhe Krishna Elephant Welfare Trust, Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Talk to Toi, Sunil Limaye, Principal of Forest Conservators (Wildlife), Maharashtra, confirmed, “In the first phase, all six elephants in the Botezari Tadoba camp will be shifted by the end of this month, and in the second phase of six elephants from Gadchiroli – 3 of Patanil In Allapalli, and 3 of the Kamlapur in the Sironcha Division – will be transported in January 2022.
“There are 20 elephants of prisoners who have the Ministry of Forestry in Vidarbha.
These include 7 in Kamlapur, 3 in Patanil in the Allapalli division, 6 in Tadoba, and 4 in Melghat, which are used for tourism purposes.
Reliance is preparing a zoo at 280 hectares near the Reliance refinery at Moti Khavdi near Jamnagar.
This will accommodate 100 different species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians.
Possible some animals can be used for zoos, said sources.
Previously, one Leopard and Three Sloth Bears were sent to the Reliance Zoo proposed from Dr.
Prakash Amte ‘Ark’ in Hemalkasa in Gadchiroli.
“Ark last month sent three sloth bears and leopards for the Reliance Zoo in Jamnagar.
The animals were transported after the transit pass from the State Forest Department and the required permits from the Central Zoo (CZA) authority,” the source at the AMTE office was confirmed.
“These animals surplus.
Previously, animals had been sent to the Maharajbagh and Gorewada zoo in Nagpur and Pune Zoo,” he added.
Sending Elephants, Limaye said, “We did not use these elephants for every forestry and Lakh Rupees spent on their maintenance.
After Elephant Tadoba killed an employee, we thought of shifting these elephants to the good center.
We talked to MoeFcc and ‘Project Elephant’ and they allow us to shift them to the rescue center run by Radhe Krishna Trust.
“” All elephants given are not trained.
For Tadoba, we plan to bring two trained captive elephants, Lava and Kush, from Karnataka Together with contractual staff.
In the second phase, two elephants will be taken.
Tuskers will be used for rescue operations and handling human conflicts.
MOEFCC has also given approval to shift elephants from Karnataka, “said Limaye.
Gadchiroli Conservator of Forests (CF) Kishore Malekar said three elephants in Patanil were old.
Two retired while one of the elephants was arrested from Kolhapur during the conflict.
This elephant is used for forestry operations but is not used now.
“These animals will shift in January with the cost of the rescue center of Jamnagar.
PCCF has issued orders,” said Misskar.
Gadchiroli Honorary Wildlife Uday Patel welcomed the decision.
He said, “Gajraj, aggressive Elephant Tadoba, has killed three people.
These elephants have become an obligation and RS25 Lakh is spent every year on their maintenance.
In addition, protect staff is also involved in its maintenance.
Second, animals suffer from disease Herpes and can infect other animals too.
Tuskers are being sent to a decent place where they will be cared for well.
“Meanwhile, hatred is brewing among local communities for efforts to shift our elephants.
Previously, such a step to shift these elephants to Penik opposed teeth and nails and got political colors.
“Many people from Gadchiroli and neighbors Telananga visited elephant camps for tourism.
We will oppose the steps to shift the Tuskers who provide direct and indirect work to the locals,” said Social Activist Santosk Tatikondawar.