Bengaluru, 1 April

The carcass of an elephant named Kumarswamy was found at Balle Elephant Camp in Nagarahole in Udupi district on Monday.

This comes just four months after the region mourned the passing of Arjuna, who died in a fight with a tusker in December 2023.

Kumarswamy's death is believed to be from indigestion, a cause for concern given the recent passing of its mahout. The post-mortem examination revealed the presence of undigested hay in Kumarswamy's stomach, suggesting a blockage that ultimately led to its demise.

There was concern about 46-year-old Kumarswamy's temperament and partial blindness, especially after its mahout died. The elephant was fed through its kavadi (assistant mahout) in Kabini backwaters, but it went missing on Wednesday. The elephant also lost its bell, making it difficult to track it down.

This incident has reignited concerns about the well-being of elephants who lose their mahouts.

Joseph Hoover, a former member of State Wildlife Board and President of United Conservation Movement, told Salar News that the deaths of Arjuna and Kumarswamy within a short span are a stark reminder of the challenges the elephants in the State face. “Losing a mahout is not just an emotional blow to the animal, but it can also have severe consequences for their physical health, as evidenced by Kumarswamy's case. The Forest Department and the camp’s authorities should have taken more responsibility towards the elephant,” he said.

Hoover emphasised the need for a robust support system for elephants who lose their mahouts. "We need well-defined protocols to ensure the well-being of these animals during such transitions. Veterinarian care, proper monitoring and alternative feeding methods like those attempted with Kumarswamy are crucial to prevent similar tragedies. The Kavadi should be equally experienced as the mahout or another mahout should be kept ready to handle animals like these.”

Forest Department in Balle is investigating the incident.