Roaming Makhna elephant finally captured after eight hours of intense operation

Coimbatore: The eight-hour intense operation to capture the Makhna elephant at Coimbatore successfully concluded, after the Forest Department pressed two Kumki elephants including Chinna Thambi into action, on Thursday.

The Makhna was tranquillized under the supervision of four veterinarians including Sugumaran, Prakash and Manoharan.



It was confirmed that the team had two missed shots and yet managed sufficient doses to tranquillize the Makhna.



Later, the Makhna elephant was pushed into the truck by Chinna Thambi in about 4 -5 hours of action.



While addressing the press on the capture of the Makhna elephant, Bhargava Teja, DD In-Charge, Annamalai Tiger Reserve reassured that precautions were taken to ensure the protection of the elephant. He stressed the fact that until the capture, no human casualties were reported with the movement of the Makhna elephant.

"The team has been tracking to capture this elephant which has travelled from Sethumadai to Coimbatore covering around 140 kilometres. We are promptly discussing with the superior authorities on where to release the Makhna elephant. But it is assured to be released into the dense forest to avoid its flee again," he added.

It was reported that though the forest officials intended to drive it through the scheduled route, but the elephant proceeded to head North camping at Perur on Thursday morning. As many as 100 forest officials and 100 NGO volunteers were involved in this operation.



To further monitor the movements of this Makhna Elephant the forest department has tied a radio collar around it. This will enable constant monitoring of the elephant from time to time.

Regarding the crop damage, Bhargava mentioned that actions will be taken ahead to deliver compensation within a week's time. He noted that further details on the whereabouts of the Makhna elephant will be updated after a brief discussion with the respective authorities and will be announced soon.