Keonjhar: Two Kumki (trained) male elephants — Mahendra and Rajkumar — deployed in Satkosia sanctuary under Angul district for the last five years have returned to Kendumundi area of Similipal sanctuary in Mayurbhanj district, their home base.
The tuskers were carried on two Hyva trucks on NH-49 through Keonjhar district with protection.
Forest officials of Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar and Angul forest divisions along with an elephant expert and veterinary team escorted the elephants to Kendumundi, sources said.
Forest officials took special measures for their transportation during summer. Besides provision of sufficient food, the animals were bathed through water cannons by the Fire department at different places on their way in Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts.
Divisional Forest Officer, Keonjhar HD Dhanraj said, “The two elephants are ‘kumki’ as they have been trained. After spending five years in Satkosia sanctuary under Angul forest division, they have now returned to their home station.”
According to sources, the two trained elephants of Similipal sanctuary along with their Mahouts (handlers) had been taken to Satkosia sanctuary around five years back to monitor the Royal Bengal tigress ‘Sundari’. The tigress had spread panic in the area, pouncing on livestock and attacking people. After Sunderi was shifted, the two kumkis remained there for years.
PNN
