Angul: The two Kumki (trained) elephants, 57-year-old Mahendra and 16-year-old Rajkumar, who were brought from Similipal sanctuary in Mayurbhanj to Satkosia in Angul to guard Royal Bengal Tigress Sundari are gaining acquaintance with the surrounding of Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary in Angul district.
The Jumbos were shifted from Similipal to Satkosia January 28. Reportedly, they have been kept at the Tikarpada forest range office premises to help guards keep a watch on tigress Sundari in the Satkisoa sanctuary.
After allowing them to rest for three days, the Jumbos were taken to different locations at the Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary Thursday (Jan 31) to make them familiar of the surroundings.
According to sources, on the first day of their tour, Mahendra and Rajkumar were made to roam in the forest reserve for two hours. Later, Friday and Saturday, they were allowed to take a tour of the forest from 8 am to 4 pm. The pachyderms are also assisted by two forest guards and five mahouts.
Both Mahendra and Rajkumar are also allowed to have sufficient food intake in the forest during the tour. After the jungle tour comes to end in the evening, the elephants are kept in the premises of Tikarpada forest range office, sources said.
The forest officials also feed them with pulses, paddy, coconut, wheat, sugarcane, and banana trees at the camp office, sources added.
After the trained elephants get familiar with the habitat and surroundings of the Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary, they will be deployed at Tukula and Raiguda area to guard tigress Sundari, forest department officials informed.
It may be noted here that the forest department had brought Mahendra and Rajkumar from Karnataka to Similipal in 2001. The animals used to move about in various parts of the sanctuary and kept a watch on poachers and movement of animals.
On the other hand, tigress Sundari was brought from Kanha in Madhya Pradesh to Satkosia sanctuary in Angul in May 2018.
It may be noted here that a section of people had protested when the two were being shifted to Satkosia. However, they were convinced later by the forest officials.
“Before their shifting, locals had strongly opposed. But they were convinced through talks. Besides, the two elephants will be brought back to Similipal soon,” he added.
PNN