As the country is coming to terms with the brutal killing of a pregnant elephant in Kerala, yet another incident has come to light in the Kollam district of the state, where a young female elephant was killed due to injuries in her mouth, around a month ago.
Widespread condemnation of the killing
In the horrific incident, a pregnant elephant passed away after it took a bite of the pineapple fruit that was stuffed with firecrackers. The item exploded in her mouth, and not being able to consume any food further, the elephant succumbed while standing in water.
A similar incident has now come to light
A top forest officer has now revealed that a similar incident had occurred last month in the Pathanapuram forest range area under Punalur division in Kollam district. The elephant was found in a serious condition in the fringe areas of the forest.
The officer said: “The pachyderm was found alienated from the herd of elephants. Its jaw was broken and it was unable to eat. It was very weak. When the forest officials approached, the elephant ran into the forest and joined the herd of elephants waiting there. But the next day, the elephant was again found alienated from its herd. Proper treatment was given but unfortunately, it succumbed to its wounds.“
Meanwhile, the search is on to find the culprit behind the killing of the elephant of the Silent Valley Forest. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden Surendrakumar said: “I have directed the forest officials to nab the culprit. We will punish him for ‘hunting’ the elephant.“
Source: Times of India
