Bhogeshwara, Kabini’s beloved elephant, famous for the longest tusks among Asian elephants, has died. According to forest department officers, Bhogeshwar was found dead in the Gundre Range of Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR) at around 9.30 am.
Kabini’s beloved elephant
One of the most popular elephants for tourists in the Kabini backwaters, Bhogeshwar, 60, died due to age-related issues. The jumbo was a familiar sight for tourists at Nagarahole and Bandipur Tiger Reserves. He was a sight to behold for tribals and locals living in the region.
According to reports, Bhogeshwar was found dead in the Gundre Range of Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR) at around 9.30 am. BTR Director Ramesh Kumar informed that an autopsy conducted on the animal has confirmed that he died due to natural causes and had no injury marks. Forester officers on the ground, however, said Bhogeshwar’s health began declining a week after he fought with another tusker last week.
The elephant was named Bhogeshwar by the forest department officers and tribals after he was often sighted near Bhogeshwar camp, where a temple and an anti-poaching camp are located. “Many tourists would be delighted and pleased on catching a glimpse of him, even if they were not able to sight a tiger in Kabini. The tusker has also featured in several wildlife documentaries and films made by the department and some private organizations,” said a forest department official.
Twitter Reactions
Kabini's iconic Bhogeshwara, which had the longest Tusks in the whole of Asia is no more. RIP. pic.twitter.com/Ltnk93j0We
— Susanta Nanda IFS (@susantananda3) June 12, 2022
It’s distressing to know the passing away of #Bhogeshwara, 60 years old elephant famously known as Mr. Kabini.
The elephant had drawn the attention of the tourists & nature enthusiasts for his mammoth tusks.
He breathed his last at Gundre range of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve. pic.twitter.com/P5fMjiimEb
— Shobha Karandlaje (@ShobhaBJP) June 12, 2022
Goodbye Jumbo!
Those mammoth tusks, that regal walk will stay etched in our hearts forever Mr Kabini #Bhogeshwara.Om Shanti ?? pic.twitter.com/JkcCqXUgT3
— Capt Brijesh Chowta | ಕ್ಯಾಪ್ಟನ್ ಬ್ರಿಜೇಶ್ ಚೌಟ (@CaptBrijesh) June 12, 2022
What an awesome elephant! Sad to see him go! Om Shanti! https://t.co/AyelADCHPO
— Anjana Rao (@AnjanaHRao) June 13, 2022
Mr Kabini Rip Bhogeshwara The Best elephant I have seen in my life pic.twitter.com/vMaqfGOUWz
— Darshan Thoogudeepa (@dasadarshan) June 12, 2022
Known as Mr Kabini, the largest tusked Asian elephant died in Kabini today. I have been following him for 6 years and will miss him dearly. He was the most coolest tusker whom I have ever encountered pic.twitter.com/mD6PkmAoIx
— Kalyan Varma (@KalyanVarma) June 11, 2022
It is distressing to learn that there is no other "Bhogeshwara" of Kariraja, the love of the King of Kabini, Sarwar.
Let's pray that Ganapathi will get the best of people like us, Gajaraja.
Om shanti ?? pic.twitter.com/HSli8HzR84— itsVivek (@Iamkohli_18) June 12, 2022
This Tusker from Kabini Forest died yesterday. Fondly called as Mr.Kabini. Probably d longest Tusk I ve ever seen. This was shot by me in 2016.
RIP ??
( Funeral Photo in comments section ) pic.twitter.com/w13IgHZ08C— Ⓜ️?️N?️ (@rajini_mano) June 12, 2022
