Ralamandal may be home to Kamla Nehru Zoo tuskers

INDORE: The forest department has sent a proposal to Jabalpur high court for relocation of Kamla Nehru zoo's elephants 'Moti' and 'Champa,' to Ralamandal Sanctuary, located 20km away from the city.


Zoo in charge, Dr Uttam Yadav, said, "We are waiting for the final decision. A team from Kanha National Park and Pench National Park have taken urine and blood samples of both the elephants and sent to Jabalpur forensic laboratory. The reports are expected within a week." Chief conservative of forest (CCF), P C Dubey said, "Shifting the elephants to any national park around 700 kms away could be of great risk. Ralamandal is better place where they would be relocated in a 5 acre enclosed area."

Team member of Pench National Park, Akhilesh Mishra, said that, "Bathing in watering holes, roaming, interacting with other elephants, and foraging for food are important activities for physical and mental wellbeing of these animals. It is a practical decision to shift them as it may decrease the chances of spreading any kind of disease."

Animal activist, Dr Sudhir Khetawat, said, "It is a good decision to relocate both the tuskers to Ralamandal Sanctuary. We are waiting for the day when these elephants can enjoy their basic needs for the first time."