The elephants in 5-54 the age group immediately made themselves at home along with their mahouts and kavadis on the site extending over 12.2 acres. Mr. Ramasamy supervised the arrangements. The Wildlife Warden, Ashok Upreti, told The Hindu that there were 37 temple elephants and 18 private animals. The special diet for rejuvenation for the camp animals would be extended to the Forest department's domestic elephants at Mudumalai and Topslip. Adequate quantity of essential medicines was available. Visitors would not be allowed to enter the fenced area. The senior veterinarian, Shanmughasundaram, said the routine would start at 5.45 a.m with the animals' designated spots being cleaned and their legs and tusks getting an oil massage. Then they would be provided with green fodder and given a bath. In the afternoon, they would be examined by a team of doctors. The observations would be recorded in a health card. The Nilgiris Collector, K. Sellamuthu, the Commissioner, HRCE, Ramakrishnan, and forest conservators, T.Sekhar and Perumal, were present. Daily routine The Varagliyar elephant camp, at Topslip in the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary, was inaugurated by the Pollachi MLA, V. Jayaraman, feeding a special rest diet prescribed by veterinarians. Later, talking to reporters, the Wildlife Warden, V. Ganesan, said 19 animals, including 11 male and eight female elephants, including one and a half year old Mancy would be taking rest at the camp. The range officer, S. Thangaraj Paneerselvam, who would be in-charge, said `ragi', `kollu', rice, mineral supplements, salt, turmeric, Ayurvedic ingredients, such as Astachoornam and Chayavanprash, were being included in the diet. Protein supplements were also being provided. The elephants would get a special medical care from veterinarians. They would be given a bath and then brought to the camp at 8 a.m for feeding and thereafter let into the wilderness for grazing. They would return to the camp at at 6 p.m. |
